BELLEFONTE — The Centre County Commissioners unanimously approved three resolutions to apply for Department of Community and Economic Development grants, benefiting two local nonprofits and the Central Counties Youth Center.

Centre County Deputy Administrator Natalie Corman introduced the three resolutions, which, if fully approved, would secure over $1 million for rehabilitation and upgrades to the youth center, essential improvements to support the Bellefonte Historical Rail Society’s ability to offer diverse rides within the local track system and equipment upgrades for maintaining the Seven Mountains Camp.

The first resolution approved a $200,000 grant application for the Central Counties Youth Center to fund safety, security and technology improvements at their facility in Benner Township. The facility is a regional initiative, jointly supported by Centre, Clinton, Clearfield, Huntingdon and Mifflin counties, to provide services for troubled, at-risk youth while they await court proceedings..

“There is a distinct lack of facilities available to provide care for delinquent youth in this case, and this is a critical part of the infrastructure for the court system here in Centre County,” said Commissioner Steven Dershem, who served on the agency’s board for several years.

He noted that over the years, caring for troubled youth has become increasingly complicated, which is why it is critical the county continues to fully support the Central Counties Youth Center’s mission. Commissioner Amber Concepcion noted that their mission is deeply aligned with the county’s goals.

“I would certainly like to see them get these upgrades, so we can continue to serve these children,” he said. The resolution passed unanimously.

The second resolution was a $650,000 grant application for the Bellefonte Historical Rail Society they hope will reduce expenses and expand offerings. President of the Bellefonte Historical Rail Society Dan Durcachko outlined the four specific purposes the all-volunteer, nonprofit group would use the funding for.

The society hopes to use part of the money to continue restoration efforts and maintenance work on their historic rail cars. A portion of the $650,000 would be allocated for restoration projects, with some more potentially set aside for future rail car acquisitions.

The funds would also be used to construct a storage facility to protect the society’s two rail cars and additional property from deterioration caused by outdoor exposure. In addition, the space would provide a safe and comfortable workplace for volunteers.

Some portion of the money would be diverted to the upkeep and maintenance of one mile of railroad track in Lemont, which the society owns outright. This section includes two paved crossings, one of which requires replacement.

The largest expense — and biggest opportunity for cost reduction — lies in the society’s goal of training its own personnel to operate its rail equipment. The Bellefonte Historical Rail Society currently contracts workers from the Nittany and Bald Eagle Railroad to operate the equipment for them, which is a major overhead expenditure.

Though the society would need to provide drug testing as well as hearing and eye exams, “despite that expenditure, it would really save us a lot of money and effort and not burden the local short line if we could operate our own equipment,” said Durachko.

Chair of the Board of Commissioners, Mark Higgins said, “This is sort of the next step to professionalize your organization, cover a lot of your expenses and have you be sustainable into the future.”

Commissioner Amber Concepcion praised the Historical Rail Society as a valuable community asset, highlighting the joy it brings to local residents and the economic impact it generates by attracting rail enthusiasts before joining Higgins and Dershem in approving the motion.

The final application for DCED grant money came from the Juniata Valley Council who are seeking $250,000 for necessary equipment upgrades for the maintenance of the Seven Mountains Camp in Spring Mills.

Rick M., a representative of Seven Mountains, explained that purchasing three pieces of heavy machinery would provide, “all the equipment that’s necessary for our volunteers to be able to do this maintenance and upkeep to support the camp’s availability.”

The camp, which has been in operation for 90 years, is a year-round, self-sustained facility that serves both Scouting and non-Scouting groups, hosting over 2,400 visitors annually across more than 100 reservations. The camp serves a diverse range of guests and organizations, including 4-H clubs, mountain bikers from around the world, family reunions, Penn State student groups, churches, school district organizations and even a quilting club.

“A lot of nonprofits today are struggling to maintain and even have facilities,” he explained, citing rising maintenance costs as a major contributor. According to Rick, the Juniata Valley Council has spent over $100,000 on equipment rentals in the past two years. As a result, they are requesting money to purchase three vehicles to eliminate future rental costs.

The request includes the purchase of a small dump truck with greater capacity and the ability to be driven on the highway that would replace a 2003 model at an estimated cost of $90,000. Additionally, they seek to acquire a track excavator for $70,000 and a track loader. There is a $15,000 contingency for the loader purchase and $5,000, or 2% of the request, is allocated for grant administration.

Higgins estimated the purchases could save the Council between $40,000 to $50,000 a year in rental fees.

“This seems like a much more efficient way to maintain the space, since you have volunteers who are able to help operate this,” Concepcion said, noting as well the camp’s community wellness benefits.

Commissioner Steven Dershem added that anyone who grew up in the area probably takes his view that Seven Mountains is an asset to the community.

“I think it’s a perfect use for these funds,” he said.