US Treasury awards $61.3 million to improve DC public spaces

WASHINGTON — D.C.’s public spaces may soon be getting an upgrade. 

Mayor Muriel Bowser announced Tuesday that the District has received $61.3 million to improve public libraries, recreation centers and senior centers.

The funding comes from the U.S. Treasury Department via the American Rescue Plan Act’s Capital Projects Fund. According to Bowser’s office, the Capital Projects Fund was designed to fund high-quality modern infrastructure that enhances Americans’ ability to work, learn and stay healthy, especially in low- and moderate-income communities.

“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,” said Wally Adeyemo, U.S. Deputy Secretary of the Treasury, in a press release.  

Bowser’s office says improvements to community facilities will include expanding or improving public broadband internet access and expanding employment, education and healthcare programming for seniors.

Ongoing renovations to the Southeast Library, the Shaw Library, Library Community Business Centers, the Anacostia Recreation Center and the Ward 8 Senior Wellness Center will be funded by this money. 

“We know that when we have great facilities — and great programming in those facilities — that brings people in the community together,” Bowser said in a press release. “... We’re ready to get these dollars out the door and into projects that will benefit D.C. residents.”