Gov. Kay Ivey has awarded $17 million in Community Development Block Grants (CDBG) to improve infrastructure across 41 towns, cities, and counties in Alabama. These grants, administered by the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs (ADECA) with funding from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, address a range of community needs, from upgrading water and sewer systems to building fire stations, purchasing fire trucks, and enhancing parks, such as the Hank Williams Music Festival site in Georgiana.
Gov. Ivey highlighted the significance of the CDBG program in supporting local communities: “Probably no other grant program in Alabama has as widespread an impact or is as celebrated as Community Development Block Grants. 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.”
ADECA Director Kenneth Boswell added that the grants are awarded competitively based on the most pressing needs identified by local governments. “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,” Boswell noted.
Grants are awarded in various categories, such as Small City, Large City, County, Community Enhancement, and Planning Fund, to ensure equitable support across diverse regions.
Regional Highlights
North Alabama
Attalla received $500,000 to replace aging sewer infrastructure.
Hamilton received $500,000 to enhance city water services, benefiting 1,600 residents.
Littleville received $400,000 to expand water lines, improving firefighting capabilities and potentially lowering home insurance rates.
Central Alabama:
Bullock County was awarded $500,000 to resurface and improve 16 roads.
Tuskegee received $500,000 for water and street improvements along North Church Street.
Georgiana was awarded $400,000 to renovate Hank Williams Park, addressing drainage and facility upgrades.
South Alabama:
Camden was awarded $400,000 for road and sewer system upgrades, focusing on the Deer Creek area.
Georgiana will use $400,000 to enhance Hank Williams Park.
Robertsdale received $500,000 for public sewer improvements in the city’s southeast area.
These funds will enhance community resources, improve safety, and bolster essential infrastructure across the state. The grants reflect the commitment of Alabama’s state and local governments to meet residents’ needs and improve the quality of life throughout the state.