An Anaconda nonprofit that helps kids and adults with special needs is getting a $2.7 million loan from the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

AWARE, Inc. will use the loan to build a new Center for Excellence.

The first phase of the school is designed to handle about 40 children with complex needs. Construction on the new 8,500 sq. ft. building is expected to start in August.

The school will be built in the Anaconda East Yards Subdivision.

AWARE officials believe the new building will serve as a beautiful gateway into Anaconda. They anticipate the school will be open in January of 2013.

U.S. Senator Jon Tester, along with Matt Jones, Montana State Director of USDA Rural Development, made a formal announcement of the loan during a ceremony in Anaconda on Saturday.