Today the Department of Agriculture and the Cherokee Regional Library System announced three Rural Development Community Facility Grant awards that will be used to modernize the Rossville Public Library.
“These upgrades will improve a variety of services for Walker County citizens,” said Jill Stuckey, USDA Rural Development Georgia State Director. About 16,000 visitors a year depend on the Rossville Library for educational, informational and recreational services. For example, the Rossville Public Library provides computer access to reference materials, job searching sites and essential government services and more, as well as printing, copying and faxing. Many use the county libraries as a business center, a place to hold meetings, conduct research, study and pick up tax forms.
The $104,500 USDA Rural Development Community Facility Grants announced today include $54,500 combined with $18,200 of local library funds to purchase Chromebook computers for the computer lab and for use in the children’s section and teen areas; $25,000 combined with $11,140 library funds for HVAC system upgrades; and $25,000 combined with $15,000 library contribution to purchase an energy efficient LED lighting system for the Rossville Public Library. These projects add to a major repurposing project underway with a $250,000 State Public Library Service grant.
During the repurposing, Rossville Public Library services are temporarily being provided at 301 Williams Street inside the Rossville Athletic Center. By March 2017 it is anticipated the upgrades will be complete and citizens can return to the McFarland Avenue location to enjoy a modernized and newly furnished, repurposed library with three study rooms and a state of the art meeting facility.
The Rural Development Community Facility Direct Loan and Grant program helps develop essential community facilities in rural areas. Funds can be used to purchase, construct, and / or improve essential community facilities, purchase equipment and pay related project expenses. In Fiscal Year 2016 Rural Development invested 21 percent ($229,500) of Georgia’s Community Facilities Grant allocation for projects benefitting the rural public library systems. For more information contact Rural Development at (706) 546-2171.
President Obama’s plan for rural America has brought about historic investment and resulted in stronger rural communities. Under the President’s leadership, these investments in housing, community facilities, businesses and infrastructure have empowered rural America to continue leading the way – strengthening America’s economy, small towns and rural communities.