RED BAY – Out with the old and in with the new.
That mantra was echoed Monday for Red Bay.
The city was awarded a $500,000 grant to upgrade its water lines to support a growing industrial base. Gov. Kay Ivey announced the grant from the Appalachian Regional Commssion.
The Red Bay Water and Gas Board will use the funds to install a new water line to supply the city’s industrial park as well as many nearby households.
“I am pleased to announce this grant to modernize and enhance water service to both commercial and residential customers in Red Bay,” Ivey said. “I commend the local leaders who championed this project and look forward to its many benefits, including sustained local economic development and reliable water service to the area residents.”
The grant will enable the Red Bay Water and Gas Board to install 11,530 feet of water main to replace an existing water line that is more than 70 years old. This upgrade will affect 2,042 of the board’s residential accounts, 212 commercial accounts and 32 industrial accounts.
The board will supply the remaining $2.3 million for the project, which is the first of three in a comprehensive infrastructure plan for the industrial park.
The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs administers the ARC program in Alabama.
“Replacing this old water line is a big step in the right direction for the Red Bay area and the industries located there,” ADECA Director Kenneth Boswell said. “ADECA is pleased to partner with Gov. Ivey, Red Bay leaders and the Appalachian Regional Commission to help bring this project to fruition.”
Ivey notified Red Bay Water and Gas Board Vice Chairman Jerry Fancher that 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.
Franklin County is among 37 Alabama counties in the ARC region and eligible for funds.
ADECA manages a range of programs that support law enforcement, economic development, recreation, energy conservation and water resource management.
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