MONTGOMERY – Jackson County and northeast Alabama are feeling the benefits of the rapid growth of Huntsville.
So much, though, that it is causing a drain on the area’s infrastructure – in particular, the water supply.
To meet that demand, the Appalachian Regional Commission has awarded a $1 million grant to the Scottsboro Water, Sewer and Gas Board, the sole provider of public water to western Jackson County.
The board will use the money to finance the construction of a water pumping station and 6,000 feet of water main. The Jackson County Commission committed to provide $1 million in matching funds.
The project includes some 3,360 households and 35 businesses in the western part of Jackson County, which local leaders say is feeling the impact of Huntsville’s rapid growth.
“Communities need adequate water service to grow and thrive as they should, and I commend local leaders for working to address this need in Jackson County,” Gov. Kay Ivey said in announcing the grant. “The improvements funded by this grant will encourage more industrial development and provide reliable water service to new residents attracted to this area.”
The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs administers the ARC program in Alabama.
“This project will fulfill a vital need in northeast Alabama, which has become an attractive location for new residents and industries,” ADECA Director Kenneth Boswell said. “ADECA is pleased to partner with Gov. Ivey, the Appalachian Regional Commission and local leaders in support of this initiative.”
Ivey notified Scottsboro Water, Sewer and Gas Board Chairman Jim Green the grant had been approved.
ARC is an economic development agency of the federal government and 13 state governments. The agency’s mission is to innovate, partner, and invest to build community capacity and strengthen economic growth in Appalachia to help the region achieve socioeconomic parity with the nation. Thirty-seven Alabama counties, including Jackson County, are part of the ARC region and eligible for funds.
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