The Register Star is reporting the Hudson Opera House has received a $1.5 million loan from the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Rural Development Community Facility Loan program. The funds will be used to renovate the historic theater building, constructed in 1855. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand announced the loan, Mon., Nov. 3. New York's junior senator urged USDA Secretary Tom Vilsacke in May to approve the funding. Gillibrand said, "This federal investment will help preserve the building and bring the opera house back to life, so that New Yorkers can enjoy all that the theater provides, for generations to come.” The acquired funds will be used to continue renovations of the building's second floor performance hall and backstage area, to create a 300-seat theater. Other repairs will be made to restore windows, mechanical systems and to construct a new elevator tower. Read the full story in the Register Star.