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Bellefonte requests CDBG reallocation to make historic train station ADA-accessible

Centre County Board of Commissioners · April 29, 2026
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Summary

Bellefonte Borough asked the commissioners to reallocate federal CDBG funds originally for a suspension-bridge project to remove architectural barriers at the Bellefonte Train Station, including an entrance ramp, automatic doors and accessible restrooms using three fiscal-year allocations totaling $291,108.

Bellefonte Borough officials asked Centre County commissioners to approve a budget modification request reallocating federal Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds from a discontinued suspension-bridge project to accessibility improvements at the Bellefonte Train Station.

Leslie, representing CDACOG, told the board the borough spent months working with a procured engineer but could not identify a suspension-bridge solution that stayed within budget and matched park aesthetics. Leslie said the borough proposes using $97,952 (FY2022), $97,993 (FY2023) and $96,163 (FY2024) to fund an ADA ramp, automatic door openers and ADA-accessible restrooms, and that the primary beneficiaries would remain adults with physical disabilities.

Leslie said a public notice went out April 12 and a public hearing on April 22 drew no citizen concerns. Commissioners agreed the reallocation was appropriate and noted the benefits of making a historic public building accessible.

Next steps: the board did not vote on the modification at the meeting; staff will bring it forward according to the planning and community development process.