U.S. Rep. Nick Rahall (D-WV) is working to enact legislation that would make federal grants available to public libraries for construction projects.

"Libraries are important learning centers for our communities and an investment in the improvement of libraries is an investment in our youth," Rahall said. "Our libraries must have access to the funding they need to complete important enhancement projects."

Rahall is co-sponsoring HR2292, Andrew Carnegie Public Libraries Act, which, if amended, would provide federal funds to libraries for construction. The current federal program makes funds available to libraries for various projects, but excludes construction.

Judy Rule, director of the Cabell County Library, stressed the importance of this bill and thanked the Congressman for his support.

"We need the money for technology and programs but in addition we would also like to build new libraries," Rule said. "We are working on fund-raising but it is slow going and it would be so much better if we could apply to the federal government for a grant."

"Congressman Rahall has been a wonderful to supporter of libraries and it is wonderful for him to support this bill," Rule added.

Rahall has also joined his colleagues in cosponsoring legislation that would ensure consumers will have access to quality telecom services and schools and libraries will continue to get Internet connectivity at affordable rates.

The bill, H.R. 2533, will permanently exempt the Universal Service Fund-which increases Internet access throughout the Nation-from the Anti-Deficiency Act.

Last year, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) said that the USF is subject to the Anti-Deficiency Act, even though USF dollars are not collected or paid out by the U.S. Treasury. The result of the FCC's actions was a disruption of USF programs for nearly six months.

In response, Congress temporarily exempted USF from the Anti-Deficiency Act until December 31, 2005. That exemption will be expiring soon, and without Congressional action experts project another disruption to USF programs.

"USF programs are critical to rural communities," Rahall said. "Without them, many would be left in the dark ages and that's something we can't afford. We need to keep the playing field as level as we can, for present and future generations."

Myra Ziegler, director of the Summers County Public Library, praised the Congressman for his support of the bill.

"Without the E-Rate program I cannot imagine how we could afford to offer high-speed Internet access to patrons of Summers County," Zeigler said. "It's extremely important for people in all walks of life to have access to the computer and technology."

"I know the Congressman has been supportive of this issue in the past and has helped the last time this program was threatened and we appreciate his support of this critical initiative," Ziegler added.