Scottsboro receives $750,000 grant to upgrade sewer line

MONTGOMERY – A deteriorating sewer line that serves homes, businesses and industries in Scottsboro will soon be replaced, Gov. Kay Ivey announced.

A $750,000 grant from the Appalachian Regional Commission will be used to replace an 862-foot section of failing sewer main under Alabama Highway 35, Ivey said. The grant recipient is the Scottsboro Water, Sewer and Gas Board, which will contribute the $750,000 in matching funds necessary to complete the project.

City leaders say the upgrade is especially critical to maintain sewer service to Jackson County Industrial Park, which includes three industries and the Earnest Pruett Center of Technology, an educational center for high school students in Scottsboro and Jackson County.

“This project is crucial not only for residents, businesses and the current tenants of the industrial park, but also for industries looking to expand or start new ventures on the 250 acres of the park that remain undeveloped,” Ivey said. “These sewer system upgrades will open the door to further economic development and accommodate the rapid growth of industry in the wider Huntsville area.”

Ivey notified Scottsboro Water, Sewer and Gas Board Chairman Jim Green that the grant had been approved.

“This infrastructure update is essential to further economic growth in the area,” ADECA Director Kenneth Boswell said. “I join Gov. Ivey in commending the local leaders who identified the issue and worked to secure a solution.”

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.

Jackson 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.