Community Development Block Grant to help Ider economic expansion

MONTGOMERY — Infrastructure plans to help business and job growth in Ider have received a substantial boost, Gov. Kay Ivey announced today.

A $225,000 Community Development Block Grant will help preserve and create jobs in the DeKalb County town, the governor said.

The funds will be used to provide infrastructure necessary for Steel Plus, a local manufacturer, to expand and create 80 jobs, Ivey’s office said. The proposed sewer line extension will also benefit Howard’s, a popular local restaurant that employs 34 people.

It also makes future extensions possible to serve additional businesses and residences.

“I am pleased to provide this grant to promote new economic opportunities and jobs in the town of Ider on Sand Mountain,” Ivey said. “This project will be instrumental in helping these companies grow and thrive, creating many new jobs for area residents.”

Steel Plus, a fabricated steel processing company, is planning an addition of up to 20,000 square feet to its Ider plant, which employs 55 people. The private septic tank system at facility is almost at capacity and cannot be adequately expanded, necessitating connection to the town’s sewer system, town leaders say.

Howard’s, which like Steel Plus is on Alabama Highway 75, is also at its limit with its septic system and requires town sewer services to meet current and future demand, according to leaders.

The restaurant employs 34 people and has plans for a kitchen and dining room expansion to hold events at the restaurant and to possibly begin a catering service.

The project involves installing about 5,300 feet of three-inch sewer line from the town’s wastewater plant to the businesses, and town leaders say it will help future expansions to benefit more businesses and residents.

The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs is administering the award.

“This project will benefit two local businesses, and it has the potential to serve other customers and stimulate additional industries and businesses in Ider in the future,” ADECA Director Kenneth Boswell said. “I join Gov. Ivey in applauding the town of Ider for seeking this funding that will greatly benefit the community.”