Cranberry Township officials are taking another step toward a possible new community and recreation center by pursuing state funding.

At a meeting on Thursday, Nov. 20, supervisors authorized the submission of a Statewide Local Share Account grant application for $1 million to the Commonwealth Financing Authority.

Township officials said the goal is to establish multiple sources of funding as the scope and price tag of the project continue to take shape.

“As we piece it together, that’s part of the plan,” township manager Dan Santoro said. “That application would be for site preparation and that kind of work.”

The move comes as the township is in the midst of a feasibility study launched in June to determine what the proposed recreation, arts and cultural engagement center should include, how much it may cost and whether the community is behind it.

That study is being conducted by Sports Facilities Companies, a Florida-based consultant hired for $42,500, and includes a market analysis, program development and a detailed financial forecast.

Santoro previously said the center could incorporate gymnasiums, fitness rooms and multipurpose space capable of hosting summer camps, after-school programs and STEM-oriented activities for students.

The potential project first came into focus due a key recommendation in the township’s updated parks, recreation and open space plan, which was adopted last April.

An ad hoc recreation, arts and cultural committee is also exploring resident demand as the long-term concept continues to move along.

Santoro also emphasized previously the project, if ultimately pursued, would take multiple years to plan, fund and construct.

“We’re going to be figuring out what it would look like, where it goes and those kinds of things,” he said in late June.