Investment to benefit more than 9,200 rural residents
OREGON, Wis., January 4, 2024 – United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development State Director for Wisconsin Julie Lassa today visited Oregon to help the community celebrate the grand opening of the Oregon Public Library.
“Libraries serve as a gateway to limitless possibilities, whether it’s through the books on their shelves, access to technology and the internet, or gathering places for community members to connect,” Lassa said. “Community infrastructure projects, like the Oregon Public Library, help to create vibrant communities that add to quality of life for all residents, which is why the Biden-Harris Administration is making investments that strengthen rural areas.” [Audio: Mp3, 23 seconds, 549Kb]
Today’s event marks the completion of construction, thanks in part to a $1 million USDA Rural Development Community Facilities Grant.
The library was expanded by over 20,000 square feet which will allow additional space needed to provide essential library services to the growing community. The new building includes a community room, conference room, study rooms, story room, and a quiet reading room.
Background:
The Community Facilities Direct Loan and Grant program provides affordable funding to develop essential community facilities in rural areas. Funds may be used to purchase, construct, and/or improve essential community facilities, to purchase equipment, and to pay related project expenses. Examples of essential community facilities include libraries, public facilities such as town halls, police stations, public works vehicles, and food pantries.
To learn more about investment resources for rural areas, contact a USDA Rural Development office.
Rural Development provides loans and grants to help expand economic opportunities, create jobs, and improve the quality of life for millions of Americans in rural areas. This assistance supports infrastructure improvements; business development; housing; community facilities such as schools, public safety, and health care; and high-speed internet access in rural, tribal, and high-poverty areas. For more information, visit www.rd.usda.gov/wi. If you’d like to subscribe to USDA Rural Development updates, visit our GovDelivery subscriber page.