County signs on to $547,893 regional Homeland Security grant for counterterrorism and all‑hazards response

Commissioners authorized participation in a Homeland Security grant of $547,893 to support an eight‑county South Central Mountains regional counterterrorism task force. Staff explained the grant funds equipment, training and planning for terrorism‑related incidents and noted the resources are also available for all‑hazard responses such as recent overnight water rescues and evacuations in nearby counties.

The presenter explained that the state retains grant funds and provides a small advance; PIC in Centre County handles administrative and fiscal oversight and the program operates on a reimbursement basis. The county participates in regional projects rather than funding individual organizations; the board approved the grant and the consolidated application plan.