MONTGOMERY — Gov. Kay Ivey has announced a $200,000 grant to improve a basic service for the city of Heflin while also supporting new and existing businesses and bringing new jobs to the area.
The funds from the Appalachian Regional Commission will be combined with a $500,000 Community Development Block Grant awarded in January by Gov. Ivey to repair a main line on the city’s sewer system.
Repairing the 60-year-old line will improve sewer services for 647 households and nearly 150 businesses. It will also help the city provide sewer services for the Great American RV Superstore which is constructing a service center and campground resulting in 130 new jobs for the community. Gov. Ivey provided a separate $950,000 CDBG economic development grant awarded in December 2021 to assist infrastructure development for the Great American project.
“This project provides many benefits ranging from improving the health and welfare of residents and business owners to providing new jobs,” Gov. Ivey said. “I am delighted by the possibilities that these grants bring and pleased to support these improvements in Heflin.”
City officials say replacing the main sewer line will prevent sewage from backing up in businesses and houses. The line serves the local industrial park where the Great American RV Superstore will be located on a 30-acre site.
The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs administers the ARC program in Alabama.
“ADECA is pleased to join with Gov. Ivey and ARC in this project that will bring multiple benefits to the city of Heflin,” ADECA Director Kenneth Boswell said.
Gov. Ivey notified Mayor Robbie Brown that the grant had been approved. A local pledge of $99,000 will be contributed to 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 Cleburne 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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Jim Plott or Mike Presley
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