Brockway, Jun 21, 2011 -- Local Contact:

Dawn Knepp (717) 237-2286

USDA Rural Development State Director Thomas Williams Announces Support for Brockway Public Library

BROCKWAY, June 21, 2011 – USDA Rural Development State Director Williams today announced a USDA Rural Development Community Facilities grant to be used toward renovations to the Brockway Public Library. The renovations will add 35 public-access computers, expand the children’s’ book area, add a conference room, new furniture, and carpeting. Handicap accessibility improvements include a new elevator, restroom renovations and kitchen area accessibility.

“Public libraries are a natural place to bridge the gap between rural and urban communities by providing access to computers and high speed Internet for all ages. More adult workers turn libraries every day, to search and apply for jobs online, access training to expand their skills, apply for assistance and seek answers to health, legal and other issues aggravated by unemployment,” Williams said.

The Community Facilities Program supports essential community facilities for public use in rural areas such as fire protection, safety, health care, education and many other community needs. In 2010, Rural Development provided over $93 million Community Facility loans and grants to rural Pennsylvania communities.

  Through its Rural Development mission area, USDA administers and manages more than 40 housing, business and community infrastructure and facility programs through a network of approximately 110 employees located in 11 offices throughout Pennsylvania. These programs are designed to improve the economic stability of rural communities, businesses, residents, farmers, and ranchers and improve the quality of life in rural America. For more information on programs offered by USDA Rural Development, contact the Pennsylvania State Office at (717) 237-2299 or visit its website at www.rurdev.usda.gov/pa.

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USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer and lender. To file a complaint of discrimination, write: USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20250-9410 or call (800) 795-3272(voice), or (202) 720-6382 (TDD).