23 News has confirmed that a local bank will participate in the federal government's capital purchase program. Associate Bank received preliminary approval from the Treasury Department for $530 Million dollars. The banks CEO says the money will help with local lending efforts. Bank leaders hope to find out if they got full approval by the end of the year. Associated Bank's CEO says the preliminary approval by the FED is an indication of the soundness of the bank. Associated has numerous branches in the stateline, as well as in Wisconsin and Minnesota.