MONTGOMERY — Gov. Kay Ivey has announced two grants totaling more than $822,000 to help bring 170 jobs to Tuskegee.
The funds from the Appalachian Regional Commission will provide the groundwork for Samkee America Inc. to build a plant in the city’s Commerce Park. Samkee is a tier one supplier to Hyundai Motor Co. in Montgomery. The plant will produce die-cast aluminum components for engines, transmissions and electric vehicles produced by Hyundai.
“Samkee will be an economic shot in the arm for Tuskegee and Macon County by providing good paying jobs,” Gov. Ivey said. “These ARC funds are an investment in the community that will pay dividends and potentially lead to additional development and jobs.”
A $360,000 ARC grant to the Utilities Board of the city of Tuskegee will be used to provide site preparation for the construction of an electrical substation in the industrial park where Samkee is locating. The prep work will include demolition of existing structures and installing storm drainage. The substation is needed to accommodate Samkee’s maximum power demand.
A $462,524 grant, also from ARC, will enable the city of Tuskegee to make improvements along Mizell Road where Samkee will be located. The nearly mile-long project will involve milling and resurfacing the road, replacing culverts and installing curbing and gutters.
Gov. Ivey also awarded a $500,000 Community Development Block Grant in June for site development of the Samkee plant.
The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs administers the ARC program in Alabama.
“The Appalachian Regional Commission continues to be a valued partner in assisting with projects that lead to economic development, new jobs and improved lives in Alabama,” ADECA Director Kenneth Boswell said. “I am so thankful for their assistance in this 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 Macon 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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