Ivey announces block grants for community improvement projects

MONTGOMERY — Nearly a dozen towns, cities and counties across the region will be getting important financial aid for much-needed projects, Gov. Kay Ivey announced.

According to the governor’s office, $4.2 million in Community Development Block Grants has been awarded to 11 Alabama towns, cities and counties in North Alabama to provide infrastructure improvements. The grants are among $17 million awarded statewide with funds provided by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

The grants cover a range of community needs including water and sewer upgrades, street resurfacing, fire station construction and fire trucks and upgrading parks.

“Probably no other grant program in Alabama has as widespread an impact or is as celebrated as Community Development Block Grants,” Ivey said. “These grants help local governments take on much needed projects that make communities safer and better places to live. I am honored to award these grants that will help so many communities across our state.”

The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs administers the grants. ADECA administers a wide range of programs that support law enforcement, victim assistance programs, economic development, water resource management, energy conservation and recreation.

“The Community Development Block Grant Program is a competitive process in which local governments examine their most pressing needs and submit applications,” ADECA Director Kenneth Boswell said. “ADECA is pleased to join Gov. Ivey in awarding these grants for projects that will improve the quality of life in these 41 communities.

“While there are simply not enough funds to award a grant for every project submitted, all applicants should be commended for their dedication to serving their communities.”

• Attalla – $500,000
  The city plans to upgrade its sewer system by replacing damaged terra cotta (clay) pipes and manholes. Improvements will be conducted in two areas of the city.
• Blount County – $300,000
  The county plans to use funds to make road improvements in the Sugarland Lake community.
• Blountsville – $400,000
  The town plans to upgrade streets and sewer lines. Among streets scheduled for improvements are Walter Street, Hendrix Street, Center Street and Lee Street.
• Courtland – $400,000
  Funds will be used to improve its water system by upgrading deteriorated and undersized water lines to improve service for its customers.
• Detroit – $400,000
  The town will use funds to construct a fire and rescue station with two bays. The station will be on U.S. 17.
• Hamilton – $500,000
  The city will use funds to improve city water services for about 1,600 residents in the Mitchell Station area by installing a booster pumping system.
• Hammondville – $400,000
  Funds will be used to repair and resurface several roads including Palmer Road, Haney Road and Winston Drive.
• Littleville – $400,000
  CDBG funds will be used to upgrade water lines by expanding their size to increase water pressure and help lead to lower home insurance rates because of better firefighting capabilities.
• Red Bay – $500,000
  The city will provide drainage improvements along 4^th, 5^th, 6^th, 7^th, 9^th and 10^th avenues in the northwestern part of the city.
• Town Creek – $400,000
  The town will use funds to upgrade its sewer system to preventbackup of sewage into houses and sewer overflows.