Washington, DC – Mark Udall and Michael Bennet, U.S. Senators for Colorado, announced today that library facilities in the Walsenburg community will get a boost of $25,000 under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA). The funding for the Friends of the Spanish Peaks Library will be used to renovate library facilities.
“Libraries play a unique role in our society by offering a gathering place where people can read and learn.” Udall said. “More than just offering books, our libraries provide us with a sense of community, a place where people can share ideas. This funding will help the Spanish Peaks Library continue to provide these important services to the Walsenburg community, especially when rural libraries across the state are facing budget cuts.”
“Libraries are a cornerstone of every community,” said Bennet. “They offer a wide range of services, none more important than providing a place for kids and families to read and learn together. This funding will help make sure folks of all ages can continue to enjoy the services offered by the Spanish Peaks Library District.”
Friends of the Spanish Peaks Library is non-profit organization that supports the Spanish Peaks Library District.
The funding announced today is being provided through USDA Rural Development’s Community Facilities program, which helps finance essential community facilities for public use in rural areas.
A total of $63.8 million was announced for 330 projects across the country and is being funded immediately through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. Other projects in the initiative include food distribution centers and equipment for first responders. Through this program, USDA ensures that such facilities are available to all rural residents. These funds are available to public bodies, non-profit organizations and federally recognized Indian tribes.
More information about USDA’s Recovery Act efforts is available at www.usda.gov/recovery. More information about the Federal government’s efforts on the Recovery Act is available at www.recovery.gov.