MONTGOMERY — A project to aid the expansion of a Cullman industry, which will result in new jobs, picked up some additional financial support with a $500,000 grant from the Appalachian Regional Commission, Gov. Kay Ivey announced.
The ARC funding along with a $200,000 Community Development Block Grant, awarded earlier by Gov. Ivey, will enable improvements along a section of Cullman County Highway 222. The highway is adjacent to North Alabama Fabricating Co. which is expanding and creating 50 jobs. Topre America Corp. is also located near NAFCO and will benefit from the improvements.
The city of Cullman is providing $300,000 for the road project.
“North Alabama Fabricating Co. has proven to be a great neighbor in Cullman County by providing jobs and producing top quality, custom-engineered steel structures that are sold worldwide,” Gov. Ivey said. “I am delighted to see this road project come to fruition to bolster both local jobs and the area economy.”
The $9 million expansion planned by NAFCO is its third since locating in Cullman County. The company is headquartered in Birmingham and also has an operation in Winfield in nearby Marion County.
Cullman County Road 222 is a two-lane road that was constructed more than 75 years ago. Local leaders say that the road requires restructuring to withstand the trafficking of heavy loads transports from the two companies. The road intersects with Interstate 65 about two miles away from both companies.
The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs administers both the ARC and CDBG programs in the state. CDBG funds are made available to the state from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.
“I commend local leaders in the city of Cullman for combining ARC and CDBG funds to get maximum mileage from these grant programs,” ADECA Director Kenneth Boswell said. “ADECA is pleased to join with Gov. Ivey in playing a role in a project that will help continue the positive economic momentum in Cullman.”
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 Cullman 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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