Sen. Gipson, Asm. Cahill & Asm. Skartados Announce Construction Grant Awards for Local Libraries

For Immediate Release: June 19, 2013
Media Contact: Jonathan Heppner | 845.463.0840 | heppner@nysenate.gov

SEN. GIPSON, ASM. CAHILL & ASM. SKARTADOS ANNOUNCE
CONSTRUCTION GRANT AWARDS FOR LOCAL LIBRARIES

ALBANY, NY -- Senator Terry Gipson (D-Dutchess, Putnam), Assemblymember Kevin Cahill (D-Ulster, Dutchess) and Assemblymember Frank Skartados (D-Ulster, Orange, Dutchess) announced today that grants have been awarded to the Howland Public Library in Beacon, the Morton Memorial Library in Rhinecliff and the Mid-Hudson Library System, which serves the mid-Hudson Valley, for public library construction.

“Our public libraries are cornerstones of our communities,” said Senator Gipson. “This grant money will revitalize our libraries and make them more energy efficient while saving tax dollars and creating good, local jobs."

“I am pleased that select public libraries in the Mid-Hudson Library System will be receiving these crucial funds. Libraries have been asked to serve more patrons’ mounting needs, with fewer resources then ever before,” said Assemblymember Cahill. “These community centers play a crucial role in local life and will put their new funding to excellent use.”

“This is exactly the kind of use that our state funds should go towards,” said Assemblymember Frank Skartados. “Library systems throughout the Hudson Valley provide limitless benefits to our children's education and adult services.”

The Howland Public Library in Beacon will receive $15,122 to replace the library’s children's room façade with NYSERDA-recommended insulated walls and energy-efficient windows, and add 80 square feet for seating and storage.

The Morton Memorial Library in Rhinecliff will receive $4,194 for alterations and upgrades to the building's heating system to improve energy efficiency.

The Mid-Hudson Library System, which serves libraries in Dutchess, Putnam and three other counties, will receive $22,828 to rehabilitate 2,000 square feet of storage space by removing cracked and broken asbestos flooring to free-up space for small group meetings and trainings.

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