Friday, October 21, 2011PIERRE, S.D. – People in Alexandria will soon have a new library, thanks in part to a Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) approved this week by Gov. Dennis Daugaard. The Governor awarded Alexandria with $309,000 in CDBG funds to construct a 7,500-square-foot public library. The community has partnered with the Hanson School District on this project and plans to build the new library on the Hanson School District campus. Alexandria’s current library is about 2,000 square feet and housed next to City Hall. The school library was built in the 1920s and has about 1,200 square feet. “This project is a great example of the school and the community working together for mutual benefit,” said Gov. Daugaard. “As a result of the new shared library space, the community and its students will have access to better services.” The new library is expected to be complete in June 2012 and will be handicapped accessible, have expanded computer availability, additional space for reading programs and activities, and include a community room for public use. Additionally, the new library will be better able to accommodate its growing membership. CDBG is a reimbursement program, and Alexandria will receive funds as work is completed. The program provides communities with financial resources to address a wide range of unique community development needs. Past grants have been used for improvements and construction of community buildings, water systems, and sewer systems. The federal Department of Housing and Urban Development funds the CDBG Program, and the Governor’s Office of Economic Development administers it. -30-