Senator Patrick Leahy (D), Senator Bernie Sanders (I) and Congressman Peter Welch (D) report that U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack Friday made it official that the Rutland Free Library will receive $663,000 in federal support for repair of the library's roof. The funding -- a $200,000 grant and $463,000 loan -- comes through the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Community Facilities Program as part of the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act, enacted last year to promote economic recovery from the recession that began in 2008. The funds will also address the drainage issues of the building, as well as de-humidifying the basement.

The award for the Rutland Library rehabilitation project was the second largest nationwide of the investments awarded by USDA on Friday. Collectively, 129 projects in 30 states were funded to build and enhance libraries in rural communities across the nation.

USDA Rural Development's Community Facilities program helps finance essential community facilities for public use in rural areas. Through this program, USDA ensures that such facilities are available to all rural residents. These funds are available to public bodies, nonprofit organizations and federally recognized Indian tribes. More information about USDA Rural Development can be found at www.rurdev.usda.gov.