Washington, DC, Aug 8, 2005 - Western North Carolina Representative Charles Taylor announced today that he has obtained $1,000,000 in federal funding for a new Community Wellness Center for Madison County. The center will be built adjacent to Madison County High School and will include an indoor swimming pool. The Wellness Center will allow Madison County to:

• Provide swimming lessons for young people and Senior Citizens, as well as provide a facility to upgrade rescue efforts for emergency workers.
• Establish a program for health care and rehabilitation for heart surgery and arthritis victims.
• Establish swim teams in the public school system and provide a host center for swim meets.
• Provide walking tracks, both indoor and outdoor, for injury rehabilitation and prevention
• Provide an activity center for the youth of Madison County
• Provide an activity center for the senior adults in the community

“When you can provide something that benefits the entire community, regardless of age, then you have a project that is worthy of everyone’s time and energy,” said Congressman Taylor. “By hosting swim tournaments and other educational and rescue programs, this center can make a significant contribution to the economy.”

Because there is no hospital or rehabilitation center in Madison County, local officials say there is a huge need for a facility of this kind.

“This center will not only fulfill our need to offer health and rehabilitation facilities, but will also be a wonderful community resource,” said Ronald Wilcox, superintendent of Madison County Schools. “We are very grateful to Congressman Taylor for his continued support and hard work on behalf of the residents of Madison County.”