MONTGOMERY — Gov. Kay Ivey has announced a $500,000 grant to Alexander City to upgrade water lines in the city’s downtown, providing residents and businesses in that area with clean and adequate water.
Funds from the Appalachian Regional Commission will be used to replace old and deteriorating water lines along several blocks northwest of Broad Street. The ARC funds will be combined with a $500,000 Community Development Block Grant awarded earlier by Gov. Ivey to the city.
“The availability of clean water is a necessary and expected service for any town or city,” Gov. Ivey said. “These improvements will provide plentiful water to residents and businesses while improving the fire department’s capability to suppress fires in the area.”
The water line replacement project will span multiple streets, including Forrest Street, Park Avenue, Houston Street, Semmes Street, and an alley between Green and Broad streets. As part of the upgrade, additional fire hydrants will be installed to enhance firefighting capabilities. Approximately 13 businesses and 80 residences will benefit from the improvements.
The infrastructure project also aligns with the city’s goals of attracting more businesses and restaurants to the area.
The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs administers both the ARC and CDBG programs in Alabama.
“Alexander City leaders are to be commended for improving water service with these two grants thus saving the city significant local financial resources in this project,” ADECA Director Kenneth Boswell said. “ADECA is pleased to join Gov. Ivey, ARC and the city in a project that will benefit many residents in the project area and the city as a whole through new retail development opportunties.”
Gov. Ivey notified Alexander City Mayor Curtis “Woody” Baird that the grant had been approved. Alexander City has pledged $266,000 in local funds 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 Tallapoosa 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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