MONTGOMERY – Gov. Kay Ivey has awarded a total of $1 million to assist three Alabama counties in their continued recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.
Funds were awarded to Fayette, Macon and Tallapoosa counties and can be used to support COVID-19 testing and vaccinations; rental, mortgage and utility assistance; assistance to food banks and pantries; job creation and business assistance and related projects to provide pandemic relief.
The awards are part of more than $40 million allocated to Alabama under a special Community Development Block Grant program funded from the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act.
“Alabama governments, businesses and people have made tremendous strides in overcoming the COVID-19 pandemic and getting their business and lives back in order,” Gov. Ivey said. “I am hopeful that these funds will accelerate that recovery.”
Gov. Ivey will announce additional grants to other Alabama cities and counties as applications are processed. The grant funds are required to be expended on projects relating to the recovery from or preventing the spread of the COVID-19 virus or any future infectious diseases.
Fayette County was awarded $300,000 and will use funds to construct a clinic which can be used for COVID-19 testing, vaccinations and treatment in addition to other medical uses.
Macon County was awarded $300,000. Funds will be used to provide rental, utility, food assistance and to purchase health equipment.
Tallapoosa County was awarded $400,000 and will use funds for an emergency response trailer and to provide grants to small businesses.
The funds were made available to the state by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Alabama counties and entitlement communities receiving the CDBG-COVID funds were required to make an application with the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs.
“These grants were originated at the local level because every county has different needs and concerns,” ADECA Director Kenneth Boswell said. “I commend the cooperative spirit displayed by Alabama counties and municipalities in formulating their plans. ADECA is pleased to partner with Governor Ivey in awarding these funds.”
ADECA administers an array of programs supporting law enforcement and traffic safety, economic development, energy conservation, water resource management and recreation development.
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