Millions in dollars in education funding is being cut by state lawmakers this year, but residents of a small town in Liberty County are celebrating because they're receiving funds.

The 2008 legislature approved close to $15 million in grant funds to renovate and rebuild Hosford School.

The small town of Hosford came together Saturday morning to celebrate the groundbreaking of their new school. Many who attended are past graduates, and with them they brought future Hosford Panthers.

"Not only have my children came, but my grandchildren will also start coming, so it's very exciting and we're looking forward to the new additions and the new school itself, the beauty of it and what it says about Hosford and our community," said Betty Orama, a Hosford parent.

Construction will begin at the school within the next 30 days and will take approximately one year to complete. The addition will include a two story building holding 20 classrooms and a new cafeteria. It's a project that's been a long time coming.

"The last school was built here in 1937, so you can see why we're so excited about a new school building," said David Summers, Liberty County School Superintendent.

School board members originally applied for the funds a couple years ago and were denied, but the Hosford Community did not give up on their dream.

"Our kids need a good safe place to go to school, and we really this it's uplifting our community to have a good place for them to go to school, a safe place," said Michael Anthony Clark, a Hosford resident.

School officials hope the new buildings will be ready to open by the 2009-2010 school year.