City of Lewisport Receives $500,000 CDBG Grant for Library Construction Project
Grant Will Help Fund Construction of New Library Facility
FRANKFORT, Ky. (October 29, 2019) – The Department for Local Government (DLG) today announced a $500,000 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) allocation for the City of Lewisport, in Hancock County, for the construction of a new library building.
“We are excited today to announce $500,000 in CDBG grant funding for the City of Lewisport,” said Gov. Bevin. “Our Department for Local Government works closely with local officials to address priority projects that will most positively impact their communities. This significant investment is based on those discussions and will enable vital community improvements to be made.”
At only 1,800 square feet, the current Hancock County Public Library has exceeded its capacity at the current building, and the lack of space and the age of the current facility make it difficult to provide necessary services to the community. The new construction project will allow for additional programs and services in the larger facility that will allow for lifelong learning opportunities in the community.
The new facility will allow residents the opportunity to enhance their library experience through improved technological resources, increased book browsing space, private reading areas, study areas, a new local history resource room, and multipurpose meeting rooms. The new space will be over four times the size of the current facility, allowing more residents to benefit from library resources.
The new facility, which will be 8,450 square feet, will be built on an empty lot across from City Hall. This site is currently owned by the Hancock County Public Library. The project will include a dedicated space for children’s activities and collection, a dedicated space for teens and the teen collection, a large area for adult collection, a covered drive up drop box for returning materials, and two porch areas with rockers for enjoying the outdoors and a good book.
"Libraries offer the community opportunities for education and self-directed learning. And, as changing and dynamic places, libraries are on the leading edge of the information age," said DLG Commissioner Sandra Dunahoo. “I’m very pleased that we were able to secure funding for such an important community project.”
“These grants have a tremendous impact in our district,” said Senator Matt Castlen. “This funding affords us the ability to generate facilities that will encourage individuals to get out and enjoy the community while benefitting the local economy.”
Community Development Block Grant Program
The CDBG program, overseen by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, provides assistance to communities for use in revitalizing neighborhoods, expanding affordable housing and economic opportunities, providing infrastructure and/or improving community facilities and services.
About the Department for Local Government
DLG is an arm of the Office of the Governor dedicated to supporting local officials and communities. To learn more about opportunities available through DLG, visit http://kydlgweb.ky.gov/.
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