SHAHEEN ANNOUNCES $300,000 FOR NEW KEENE FAMILY YMCA
(Washington, D.C.) - U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen today announced that her request for assistance in the construction of a new 67,000 square foot facility for the Keene Family YMCA has been approved by the Senate Appropriations Committee. Shaheen secured $300,000 for the project, which will allow the YMCA to expand its infant through preschool program and the afterschool programs. Construction on the new facility is expected to be completed in time for a fall 2011 opening. These funds were included in the Fiscal Year 2011 Transportation, Housing, and Urban Development Appropriations bill, which is now ready for consideration by the full Senate.
"The Keene Family YMCA is an important community partner for the entire Monadnock Region, and this expansion project is great news for families that depend on it for quality affordable childcare," said Shaheen. "I'm so pleased that the Keene Family YMCA will receive this assistance so that they can expand to better serve the Monadnock Region and create new jobs."
"Senator Shaheen recognizes the role the Keene Family YMCA plays in the Monadnock Region and has been very supportive of our new building project," said JoAnn Fenton, Co-Chair of the Keene Family YMCA's EverYone Campaign. "Our new facility will allow us to deliver on our mission of building strong kids, strong families and strong communities more effectively. Our new building will enable us to grow our childcare program by 50 percent, meeting critical demand for high-quality affordable childcare. In addition, we will be better able to provide additional programs for school-aged youth and teens. We are very grateful to Senator Shaheen for her commitment to our community."
The estimated total cost of the project is $15,345,000, with more than $10 million already raised from individuals, businesses, and foundations, making it the largest, most successful capital campaign ever undertaken in the region. In addition, the Keene Family YMCA has been awarded a $4,500,000 loan from the USDA Rural Development Program to help support construction. The new facility will be located at 200 Summit Road in Keene and will be fully handicapped accessible. The new building will have more facilities, including a brand-new child care center, two pools, fitness spaces, indoor walking track, and basketball courts. Construction will create jobs for more than 100 people and the new YMCA will generate 45 new jobs.
