MONTGOMERY — Gov. Kay Ivey has announced a $200,000 grant to help the city of Scottsboro improve sewer service and eliminate a potential health hazard.
The city will use the funds from the Appalachian Regional Commission to replace lines and make other sewer-system improvements in the Ashmore Lane area where aging, damaged sewer lines cause sewage to back up in yards and ditches after heavy rains, city officials said.
“For nearly 60 years the Appalachian Regional Commission has been responsive to the needs in Alabama’s communities,” Gov. Ivey said. “I am appreciative of ARC’s investment in our state as well as their assistance with this project in Scottsboro.”
ARC funds will be used to replace 1,200 feet of main sewer lines and another 300 feet of lines tying into households. The project also includes replacing several manholes.
The work is part of a larger project by the Scottsboro Water, Sewer and Gas Board to replace sewer lines in the community. The ARC-funded project area includes 22 households, five businesses and a school.
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 improve services in Scottsboro,” ADECA Director Kenneth Boswell said.
Gov. Ivey notified Jim Green, general manager of the Scottsboro Water, Sewer and Gas Board, that the grant had been approved. Local funds of $282,950 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 Jackson 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.
-30-
