MONTGOMERY — Gov. Kay Ivey has announced a $100,000 grant to the city of Ashland that will provide improvements to the city’s industrial park which will also assist one nearby business resulting in 10 new jobs and offering additional services for residents.
Funds from the Appalachian Regional Commission will be combined with a $100,000 Community Development Block Grant awarded earlier by Gov. Ivey to provide water, sewer and road improvements at the Ashland Industrial Park on Alabama Highway 9 between Ashland and Lineville.
One of the beneficiaries of the improvements will be the construction of a Blue’s Carwash & Lube. The locally owned company will provide quick oil and tire changes in addition to car wash services.
“This grant will provide improvements that the Ashland Industrial Park needs to attract new and future business to that part of Clay County,” Gov. Ivey said. “I am pleased to announce these new grant funds to build on beneficial work already slated for the industrial park.”
Funds will be used to construct 450 feet of six-inch water line and 300 feet of eight-inch sewer line. Additionally, a 36-foot-wide turn lane will be constructed at the entrance of the industrial park.
The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs administers the ARC program in Alabama.
“ARC has been a valued partner of ADECA and Alabama’s towns and cities for more than 50 years and this project in Ashland is a continuation of that commitment,” ADECA Director Kenneth Boswell said. “I commend local leaders for pursuing this project that will benefit Ashland and Clay County.”
The city of Ashland has pledged $108,050 for 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 Clay 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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Media Contact
Jim Plott or Mike Presley
ADECA Communications and External Affairs
(334) 242-5525
