MONTGOMERY – Gov. Kay Ivey has announced a $500,000 grant to Childersburg to upgrade the city’s sewer system and alleviate any potential health issues the current system could cause.
These funds, supplied by the Appalachian Regional Commission, will be combined with a $500,000 Community Development Block Grant awarded in 2023. The city will provide $100,000 to cover the remainder of the $1.1 million cost of the project.
“These improvements to this crucial public utility service will increase the quality of life for the people of Childersburg,” Gov. Ivey said. “I commend the local leaders who identified this issue and have now secured funding to repair it. Once completed, all residents of Childersburg will benefit from the upgrades.”
This grant will allow the city to install about 3,100 feet of main sewer line, replace six key sewer pump stations and rehabilitate 16 manholes in the central part of the city. The main sewer line and manholes were installed about 80 years ago and the pump stations range from 30 to 40 years old. Most of the sewage throughout the city must eventually flow through the area in need of replacement. City leaders say that encroachment of tree roots, mechanical failures and heavy rains consistently lead to sewage backup and overflow, creating a health risk for residents.
The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs administers both the ARC and CDBG programs in Alabama.
“ADECA is pleased to partner with Gov. Ivey, the Appalachian Regional Commission and the city of Childersburg for this important project to rehabilitate the sewer system,” ADECA Director Kenneth Boswell said. “Once completed, it will provide a reliable public utility service for residents and businesses.”
Gov. Ivey notified Mayor Ken Wesson 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 Talladega 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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