MONTGOMERY— A $250,000 grant awarded by Gov. Kay Ivey will help give new life to a city-owned building in downtown Clanton while also bringing in commerce and creating nearly 50 jobs.
The Community Development Block Grant to the city of Clanton will be used to convert the downtown building into a Mexican restaurant. The Clanton location at 405 Seventh Street will be the third Valle Grande Mexican Grille. The restaurant already has locations in Valley Grande in adjacent Dallas County and in Maplesville, which like Clanton is in Chilton County.
“Clanton continues to see enhancements to its quality of life from the resurfacing I-65 within the city limits to economic development projects to revitalize the historic downtown area,” Gov. Ivey said. “I am pleased to award this grant which will breathe new life into this local landmark while ushering in more jobs.”
CDBG funds will be used to provide building improvements to the former “Wright Building.” Once completed, the city will lease the building to the restaurant owner.
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.
“Restaurants are essential elements to attracting people to downtowns,” ADECA Director Kenneth Boswell said. “I commend Clanton leaders for making wise use of a city-owned building and helping to increase commerce in the city.”
Gov. Ivey notified Mayor Jeff Mims that the grant had been approved.
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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