County accepts PCCD indigent defense project modification totaling $198,650 for public defender support

The Centre County Board of Commissioners on April 17 approved a project modification to a Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency (PCCD) indigent defense grant, increasing the award to $198,650 for the period July 1, 2024, through Dec. 31, 2026.

A county staff member speaking for the Public Defender’s Office said the funds will be used for personnel costs, training, equipment and supplies, and consultants. The office highlighted the purchase of basic trial equipment it previously lacked; the public defender’s office representative said, “we’re actually going to purchase a projector… so when we conduct our trials, we’re using our own equipment.” The office also said the grant supports out-of-state training opportunities and evaluations that assist representation.

County staff described the award as a project modification that adds funding and extends timelines for an earlier grant the county received last year.

The board moved and seconded a motion to approve the project modification; all commissioners present said “aye” and the motion passed.

No additional conditions, matching requirements or specific contractors were identified during the discussion.