Blacklick Township is getting help with one of the biggest expenses facing its small local police department: keeping reliable patrol vehicles on the road.

A $60,233 state grant will allow the township to purchase a new police cruiser. Township Supervisor Dan Zanin said the funding is especially important for a rural community of roughly 2,000 residents that maintains two part-time officers and has been relying on two vehicles with reliability concerns.

Route 422 runs through the township, making traffic and speed enforcement an important part of the department’s work. Township officials have previously explored whether joining a regional police force would be practical, but the study concluded that approach was not feasible for Blacklick at this time.

The grant was originally included in a larger round of Local Share Account funding for Cambria County projects and was highlighted again this week as township officials discussed what the new cruiser means for local coverage.

For a small municipality, replacing a patrol vehicle without outside assistance can strain a limited tax base. The grant gives Blacklick Township a way to improve reliability without placing the full cost on local residents—and helps ensure officers can continue providing a visible local presence throughout the community.