LEIGHTON — After years of dealing with water issues that affected the town’s fire hydrants, Leighton officials will finally be able to upgrade the water system, thanks to a grant from the Appalachian Regional Commission.
Gov. Kay Ivey announced the $90,000 grant that aims to improve the safety and welfare of the town’s residents and businesses.
The grant from the Appalachian Regional Commission, a federal-state partnership program, will be used to upgrade the town’s fire hydrants and other water system components to ensure effectiveness in the event of a fire, particularly in Leighton’s downtown district, Ivey said.
“Access to immediate and sufficient water is essential to prevent loss of life or property in case of a fire or another catastrophic event,” Ivey said. “I commend Leighton’s leaders for seeking a solution to this issue. These funds will alleviate immediate water concerns and restore confidence in the town’s ability to respond to emergency situations.”
Ivey notified Mayor Derick Silcox that the grant had been awarded. The town pledged matching funds of $90,000 for the project.
According to a news release from Ivey’s office, several fire hydrants in the downtown district have been damaged or become inoperable in the last several years and many of the water system’s cutoff or isolation valves do not work properly. The town’s water system has been drained several times because officials could not shut off the water.
The town plans to replace or rehabilitate four fire hydrants and seven isolation valves to improve water flow. Operable isolation valves will eliminate the need to shut down the entire water system during emergencies, town leaders said.
The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs administers the ARC program in Alabama.
“Having the Appalachian Regional Commission as a partner has helped numerous counties and municipalities improve living standards for thousands of Alabamians, including those in Colbert County,” ADECA Director Kenneth Boswell said. “ADECA is pleased to join Gov. Ivey in support of this project.”
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.
Colbert 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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