MONTGOMERY— Gov. Kay Ivey has awarded a $100,000 grant to provide new jobs and create new development in the city of Ashland and Clay County.
The Community Development Block Grant to Ashland will provide infrastructure necessary for the construction of an oil changing business and carwash. The business will employ 10 people.
City officials hope the improvements will lead to additional commerce at the location on Alabama Highway 9 between Ashland and Lineville. Residents in the two cities currently must drive 30 miles for similar services.
“This business will provide a wonderful convenience for residents in both Ashland and Lineville while enabling them to keep their money local,” Gov. Ivey said. “I commend local leaders for working to make business like this possible.”
CDBG funds will extend water and sewer for the development while also providing turning lanes into the business from Alabama Highway 9. Those improvements will also aid future development in the area, according to city officials.
The business, Blue’s Carwash & Lube, is a locally owned company that will provide quick oil changes and tire changes in addition to the car wash. It is expected to open this summer.
The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs is administering the grant from funds made available by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.
“ADECA is pleased to join Gov. Ivey in this project that will bring new commerce to Ashland and Clay County and pave the way for additional commercial development in that area,” ADECA Director Kenneth Boswell said.
Gov. Ivey notified Mayor Larry Fetner that the grant had been approved. The city has pledged $108,050 in local funding for the project.
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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