The town of Bladenboro officially completed the renovations of the town hall Tuesday.

Instead of wearing work clothes and carrying hammers, the workers wore suits and carried a huge check for $55,000 in federal money.

Congressman Mike McIntyre joined USDA State Director John Cooper and other officials in the presentation of the symbolic check at a dedication of the town hall project Tuesday.

"This is one of the best parts of my job," McIntyre said, "bringing home your tax money to your community."

The town hall renovation used both grant money and loans from the USDA, according to Town Manager Delane Jackson. Janet Bradbury and Ryan Combs, field representatives for U.S. Senators Elizabeth Dole and Richard Burr, respectively, also attended the event.

"We are lucky to have a delegation that is willing to work together," McIntyre said. "The fact that the senators and I work closely together shows we can cross party lines for the good of the people of North Carolina."

McIntyre said Bladenboro was special to him, since as a child growing up in Lumberton he often spent time visiting with children of the Bridger families.

Cooper also said Bladenboro "has a special place" in his heart. Cooper's family often drove through Bladenboro on the way to Myrtle Beach.

"I got to know some of the police officers that way," he laughed. "Maybe now I can get Mr. Jackson to pull some strings for me."

The facelift for town hall included new fascia, roof and structural repairs, paint, and stucco finish. A new town seal was also installed.

All the work was done by local contractors.

Mayor Livingston Lewis thanked McIntyre for his assistance on the project, as well as Irma Thompson of USDA Rural Development.

"Without your assistance," Lewis said, "towns the size of Bladenboro would be hard-pressed to find funding for projects like this."

The presentation was held at the Traxx Restaurant and was followed by a tour of the town hall.

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