DETROIT, MI.- The Detroit Institute of Arts (DIA) was recently awarded $750,000 from the federal government, earmarked for much-needed repairs to the roof of the museum’s historic 1927 building and its North and South Wings.

Congresswoman Carolyn Cheeks Kilpatrick, who sits on the U.S. House Appropriations Committee and the Appropriations Subcommittee on Transportation and Housing and Urban Development, was responsible for securing these funds on behalf of the museum. Michigan Senators Carl Levin and Debbie Stabenow supported the museum’s request in the Senate.

“We are most grateful to the government and taxpayers for assisting with our roof repair,” said Graham W. J. Beal, DIA director. “The DIA houses countless treasures viewed by visitors from around the United States and around the world, and keeping them secure is one of our top priorities. We are especially grateful to Congresswoman Kilpatrick for her leadership in obtaining this appropriation.”

Museum officials are working with representatives from the City of Detroit and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development to plan and implement the roof renovation effort, which is scheduled for completion in the fall of 2010 or spring of 2011, weather permitting.