Carbon County is hoping to secure funds to replace over 50 windows in its administration building.

During the county commissioners meeting on Thursday, the board ratified applying for $774,720 from the Monroe County Local Share Account grant through the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development to replace a total of 52 windows.

The windows were last replaced in 1991 and are not as economical at keeping heat in and drafts out.

“The county does not obviously have the money to replace those windows,” commissioners Chairman Mike Sofranko said, noting that if the county doesn’t get the grant, then they will not move forward on the project.

“The problem we’re experiencing all the time is we have new heating systems and air conditioners that are all climate controlled,” he said. “When you have windows that do not unfortunately match, the cost you should be saving on the new HVAC system is not adding up. ...

“Every time you see a window open, it throws a whole wrench in it.”

Commissioner Rocky Ahner, who has a background in construction, said that he is concerned with the cost, but added that if the county can move forward on the project he hopes local contractors will bid on it.