@@IT’S ABOUT TIME PROJECT MOVES FORWARD IN MINERAL POINT

USDA Rural Development Provided $1.1 Million to Assist with Renovations to the Historic City Hall Complex and Expanded Public Library

MINERAL POINT, WI – SEPTEMBER 2, 2011 – City Officials, local leaders, along with State and Federal representatives gathered for a ground breaking ceremony yesterday to celebrate the commencement of renovations and upgrades to the Mineral Point City Hall and Library. The improvements are a part of the “It’s About Time Project”.

USDA Rural Development awarded the City of Mineral Point with a $1,000,000 loan and a $100,000 grant for the “It’s about Time” project that will help finance the renovations to the 100 year-old municipal building and Library. With the completion of the new facility, the library will better serve five communities in Iowa County, City of Mineral Point, Hollandale, Linden, Town of Mineral Point, and Waldwick.

“At USDA Rural Development we are committed to ensuring that rural communities remain economically competitive by offering residents access to quality health care services, modern library facilities and school buildings, and reliable emergency equipment and services,” said Carol Wetuski, USDA Rural Development Area Director. “This project is a great example of how collaborabtion on all levels, from federal to local, can make a positive impact on the lives of Wisconsin residents and their communities.”

Renovations to the historic facility, constructed in 1913, will address physical structure issues and accessibility needs. In addition, added space will enable the expansion library collections, updating to 21^st century technology, and provide an appropriate area for the historical Mineral Point archive collection. City Hall offices and City Council chambers will relocate to an existing addition, located just north of the current historic library and city hall complex, allowing the library to occupy all three floors.

USDA Rural Development’s Community Facilities Program provides loans and grants and loan guarantees for water and environmental projects, as well as community facilities projects. Water and environmental projects include water systems, waste systems, solid waste, and storm drainage facilities. Community facilities projects develop essential community facilities for public use in rural areas and may include hospitals, fire protection, safety, as well as many other community-based initiatives.. More information about USDA rural Development can be found at http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/HCF_CF.html. Funding is contingent upon their meeting the terms of the loan or grant agreement.

USDA Rural Development’s mission is to deliver programs in a way that will support increasing economic opportunity and improve the quality of life of rural residents. This past year, USDA Rural Development returned over $740 million to rural Wisconsin communities. The funding supports a wide variety of loan, guaranteed loan and grant programs to rural residents in the areas of housing, community facilities, business development, infrastructure, and other development needs.

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