MONTGOMERY — While no one can guarantee that the electricity won’t temporarily go out at some point in the town of Millport, residents will still be able to get a glass of water.
Gov. Kay Ivey has announced a $170,380 grant that will provide emergency back-up power to enable the town’s water system to function even when the power goes out. The funds from the Appalachian Regional Commission will be used to provide natural gas-fueled generators to keep the system operating.
“I commend the town of Millport for taking the steps to address this issue, and I am grateful for the ARC’s partnership to help complete this project,” Gov. Ivey said.
The Millport Water and Sewer Department will install emergency generators at the treatment plant and the booster pump station to ensure uninterrupted service.
The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs administers the ARC program in Alabama.
“As so often is the case, the Appalachian Regional Commission has stepped in when a qualifying town had an urgent or critical need,” ADECA Director Kenneth Boswell said. “ADECA is pleased to be a partner in this project that will benefit residents and businesses in the town of Millport.”
Gov. Ivey notified Mayor Stanley Allred that the grant had been approved. The town has pledged $73,020 toward the 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. Thirty-seven Alabama counties, including Lamar County, are part of 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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