Clarion County commissioners adopted a resolution Tuesday that, if approved, will supply a major portion of the funding needed to renovate the county courthouse.
The commissioners approved an application for the maximum amount, $1 million, through Pennsylvania’s Local Share Account statewide grant.
The grant offers funding for projects in the public interest and projects that improve the quality of life for citizens.
“The application may be for up to $1 million with no match,” said commissioner Ted Tharan. “It is pretty wide open. There is only so much money available and there will be a lot of people applying,” Tharan added.
He said the funds are part of the state’s share of the American Rescue Plan.
Tharan said the money would be for the renovation of the courthouse basement.
“We need to do something at the courthouse before next winter because we had four of the old pipes break last winter,” said Tharan.
Tharan said the grant will be used for the installation of HVAC, the removal of walls, replacing flooring, and electrical work. The lower-level restroom will also be renovated.
“There is only air conditioning in certain areas of the courthouse,” said Tharan. “In the rest of the building window air conditioners are used and that is not good for the new windows.”
The large courtroom was remodeled in 2021, and court and county funds were used for the project. The courtroom was painted, new carpeting was installed, the jury box was renovated and the sound system was replaced.
The next commissioners’ meeting has been moved to Wednesday, March 23, at 9:30 a.m.