Congressman Ruben Hinojosa Visits Bailey H. Dunlap Memorial Public Library-Makes Library Expansion Funding Announcements

Congressman Ruben Hinojosa was present at the Bailey H. Dunlap Memorial Public Library, 400 South Main Street, La Feria on Tuesday, October 5, 2010 to make grant and loan funding announcements to the City of La Feria for the expansion of the library.  Congressman Hinojosa was joined by Jake Sheeran, Area Director and several staff members of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development for the announcement that La Feria received a grant in the amount of $464,431.00 and a loan in the amount of $379,000.00 from funds made available through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA) and administered through the USDA for Rural Development.

Funding for the library expansion is from various sources.  In addition to the funds from USDA, the library received a grant in the amount of $50,000.00 from the Rockwell Fund, a grant in the amount of $2,500.00 from the Trull Foundation, and a donation from the George and Grace Dunlap estate in the amount of $277,090.90 from which $200,000.00 was earmarked for the construction of the expansion to the library.  The library board has also held various fundraisers to add to the construction fund an amount of $54,000.00.  The total project cost is expected to be $1,150,000.00.

The expansion to the library will be towards the south side of the existing building, and will be a two story addition of 4,963 sq. ft.  This will provide additional space for new computer stations, research capability, tutoring, and increasing children and youth services, as well as provide a community meeting room.  When complete the expansion will provide for the needs of La Feria for the next five to ten years.  Construction of this project is expected to be complete by the end of 2011.

A group of students from David Sanchez Elementary School and City and School officials were present to welcome Congressman Hinojosa and Mr. Sheeran.  See photos.