Citizens Library gets $500K state grant
Citizens Library in Washington has been awarded a $500,000 state grant to overhaul its nearly 50-year-old heating and air-conditioning system. The grant was part of $3.7 million awarded statewide under the Keystone Recreation, Park and Conservation Fund.
“I’m extremely proud of the cooperative effort that made this happen. I can’t say enough how competitive it is to get state grants when budgets are tight and public facilities across the state need money,” said state Sen. Tim Solobay, D-Canonsburg.
The half-million dollar award was the maximum allowed under the fund, and only five grants of that amount were awarded statewide.
Library Director Diane L. Ambrose said the library’s main building, erected in 1965, is still using the original heating and cooling system. The planned $1.4 million overhaul should significantly lower energy consumption and costs.
“This grant is an investment in the library that will pay dividends for years to come,” Ambrose said. “New equipment and new technology will help us save a significant amount of money, helping us continue to provide the services that the community expects.”
An endowed trust set aside specifically for capital improvements will provide the dollar-for-dollar match required by the grant program.