MONTGOMERY — Gov. Kay Ivey has announced a $250,000 grant to replace major parts of the municipal water line in the town of Blountsville, including a section that is more than 80 years old.
The grant from the Appalachian Regional Commission will enable the Blountsville Utilities Board to replace part of the water line along U.S. Highway 231. The section of the water line, originally installed in 1941, has exceeded its useful life and is hard to maintain, town leaders said. The project also involves replacing other parts of the water system line to improve overall water service.
“Aging and outdated infrastructure present challenges to local utilities service through costly maintenance as well as limited capacity for growth,” Gov. Ivey said. “This section of water line was installed at the same time the United States entered World War II. I am pleased to announce these grant funds to modernize and improve water service to many Blountsville residents and businesses.”
The project also involves relocating the original 8-inch cast iron water line along U.S. Highway 231 between Park Drive and a new Family Dollar/Dollar Tree store because the current line is in the backyard of houses fronting the highway.
Additionally, the project involves rerouting another part of the line from a tank to connect with the main part of the system. Rerouting the line will greatly diminish water line breaks, town officials say.
Upon completion, the project will improve water service for 34 businesses and 25 households.
The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs administers the ARC program in Alabama.
“The Appalachian Regional Commission has proven its value by improving the quality of life in many Alabama towns, cities and counties whether it be infrastructure needs, enhancing education or helping to create jobs,” ADECA Director Kenneth Boswell said. “ADECA is pleased to join Governor Ivey in supporting this project.”
Gov. Ivey notified Bobby Griffin, chairman of the Utilities Board of the Town of Blountsville, 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 Blount 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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