Mayor Muriel Bowser announced that the District of Columbia has secured $61.3 million from the U.S. Treasury Department’s American Rescue Plan Act’s (ARPA) Capital Projects Fund. This significant funding boost is earmarked for enhancing community facilities across the nation’s capital, with a focus on public libraries, recreation centers, and senior wellness hubs.
The Capital Projects Fund, designed to support high-quality modern infrastructure, aims to improve Americans’ ability to work, learn, and maintain health, particularly in low- and moderate-income communities.
Mayor Bowser emphasized the importance of these upgrades, stating, “We know that when we have great facilities – and great programming in those facilities – that brings people in the community together. It helps keep our residents healthy and engaged, it helps us connect more residents to resources, and it gives Washingtonians more opportunities to get to know their neighbors.”
Specific projects slated for improvement include the Southeast Library, Shaw Library, Library Community Business Centers, Anacostia Recreation Center, and the Ward 8 Senior Wellness Center. These facilities will see expansions in public broadband internet access, addressing connectivity gaps for individuals and families. Additionally, the funding will support enhanced employment, education, and healthcare programming for seniors.
U.S. Deputy Secretary of the Treasury Wally Adeyemo highlighted the broader impact of these investments: “These resources will deliver critical upgrades at community facilities for residents, particularly students and seniors, that provide essential services like high-speed internet, financial literacy, and early learning opportunities.”
Mayor Bowser’s administration views these improvements as part of an ongoing commitment to strengthen communities and ensure that DC’s public facilities remain vibrant, inclusive spaces that meet the evolving needs of the city. The mayor expressed gratitude for the Biden-Harris Administration’s support in building stronger, more connected communities, adding, “We’re ready to get these dollars out the door and into projects that will benefit DC residents.”
This infusion of federal funds into the District’s community hubs is expected to not only enhance physical infrastructure but also foster greater community cohesion and improve access to essential resources. As these projects move forward, residents can anticipate modernized facilities that better serve their needs and contribute to a more connected and engaged Washington, D.C.
