Christmas came a little early for the Tidioute Area Health and Dental Center.

Congressman Glenn Thompson (R-5) announced Monday that a $350,000 appropriation for the health center had been included in the Omnibus Appropriations bill for fiscal year 2010.

Meanwhile, Senators Arlen Specter and Bob Casey of Pennsylvania announced Monday that $400,000 for the City of Warren in Warren County for capital improvements and streetscaping in downtown Warren was also included in the bill.

The House passed the bill on Dec. 10, and the Senate followed suit on Dec. 13. The bill is on its way to President Obama for his signature.

"It was the icing on the cake. It was the dream and we finally made it," said Cindy Paulmier, vice president of the TAHDC board of directors. "Basically, what it means is Tidioute...well, we got a miracle. What better Christmas present could Tidioute receive."

A ground-breaking ceremony was recently held for the future health center, during which members of the board indicated that the group faced a $120,000 shortfall.

While $350,000 will more than cover the shortfall, TAHDC Board President Bob Schwab remained cautious on Monday.

"We don't know what string might be attached (to the funds)," he said. "We don't want to spend it until we have it."

According to Thompson, the money was allocated for construction of a rural medical center.

"The funds will go toward the construction of a 3,500 square foot building that will include three medical exam rooms, two dental exam rooms and a full service pharmacy," he said. "Warren General Hospital has agreed to operate the center and provide the physicians and dentists needed to make this rural facility a reality."

He added, "(The money) has to be spent specifically on that project and after 24 months, that project expires."

With health care at the forefront of recent political debates, Thompson believes the future success of the TAHDC speaks volumes about accessible health care.

"I think it's very exciting at a time when we are looking at accessible care. This is not just a medical center but also a dental center and (pharmacy)," he said.

Thompson also commented on the teamwork between the the TAHDC board, local government officials and the hospital.

"It's just a great collaboration," he said.

Construction of the TAHDC will take place through the winter. The project is expected to be completed in early May next year.