MONTGOMERY — Gov. Kay Ivey has announced a $764,320 grant to assist the city of Tuskegee in correcting numerous drainage issues throughout the city.
Funds from the Appalachian Regional Commission will be used to help the city make drainage repairs at 10 locations. Many of the stormwater drainage problems occurred in 2016 when heavy rains pelted the area. Those drainage problems and related damage have worsened over the years, city leaders said.
“Residents of Tuskegee deserve adequate drainage from their streets and sidewalks during rainy weather, and this project will help the city make multiple repairs needed to fix these issues,” Gov. Ivey said. “I am pleased to play a role in this project, and I commend local leaders for working to find the grant funding needed for the improvements.”
The city of Tuskegee is undertaking the project to ensure proper stormwater drainage throughout the city and to prevent further damage to city infrastructure and roads. Work will entail cleaning and restoring ditches and gutters to ensure proper water runoff along with repairing streets, curbing and sidewalk damaged by overflowing water.
The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs administers the ARC program in Alabama.
“The ARC continues to be a valued partner to Alabama cities, towns and counties within its region,” ADECA Director Kenneth Boswell said. “ADECA is pleased to join Gov. Ivey and the ARC in helping the city of Tuskegee improve the lives of its residents by making these needed repairs.”
Gov. Ivey notified Tuskegee Mayor Lawrence Haygood that the grant had been approved.
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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