USDA helps fund township hall
WESTON – Residents of McLean County’s Yates Township are celebrating a new public hall.
Officials from the township and USDA Rural Development joined local residents at an open house and dedication ceremony Thursday evening. Rural Development provided a $25,000 Community Facility grant for the purchase and renovation of the building. The township funded the remaining $30,775 to reach the total $55,574 total project cost.
“This Yates Township Hall is a testament to a supervisor and board that are proactive and dedicated, a cooperative that is community-minded and supportive and the residents of this township who will benefit over and over again,” said Colleen Callahan, USDA Rural Development Director for Illinois.
Township Supervisor Clayton Rosenberger credits State Rep. Dan Brady with the referral to Rural Development and its programs designed to help rural communities.
“This is going to be a great multi-purpose use here for Yates Township – everything from families to voting,” explained Brady.
Since 2009, USDA Rural Development has helped 1.1 million rural residents buy homes, invested $11 billion to start or expand 103,000 rural businesses, funded nearly 7,000 community facilities, financed 185,000 miles of electric transmission lines and helped bring high-speed Internet access to nearly 6 million rural residents and businesses.
“We’re delighted to be a part of the process and success celebrated today,” added Callahan.
Members of the public not only had the chance to see the renovated facility, but also enjoyed free food and historical artifacts. The hall is located at 30561 N. 3260 East Road.
