FAIRVIEW – This small Cullman County town’s business aspirations can be explained in three words: “More. More. More.”
The town of Fairview was recently awarded a $144,500 grant to help fund infrastructure to accommodate business development, including a Jack’s restaurant that is expected to bring 30 jobs to the town. The restaurant is expected to open by the end of this year.
“This infrastructure project will result in jobs and a new dining option for Fairview, but it will also signal to other businesses that the town is a viable location to set up shop,” Gov. Kay Ivey said in announcing the grant. “I applaud those responsible for securing these grants and recognizing the town’s potential.”
The funds from the Appalachian Regional Commission will be paired with a $144,500 Community Development Block Grant, which was awarded by Ivey in May, to extend sewer service to the planned site of the Jack’s on Alabama Highway 69.
Officials of the town of 543 people said the project will also help attract other businesses.
Related story: Community development grant means ‘more, more, more’ for Fairview residents
The project will extend the town’s sewer system by about one mile. Currently, only the elementary, middle and high schools have sewer service. Fairview is contributing $58,160 to the project.
The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs administers the ARC program in Alabama.
“This project represents a significant step forward for Fairview and sets the stage for future development,” ADECA Director Kenneth Boswell said. “ADECA is pleased to join Gov. Ivey in support of this venture.”
Ivey notified Fairview Mayor Keith Henry 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.
Cullman County is among the 37 Alabama counties in the ARC region and eligible for funds.
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