MONTGOMERY — An $82,500 grant will help Winston County’s emergency communications system to rebound from tornado damage a year ago, Gov. Kay Ivey announced.
The grant from the Appalachian Regional Commission will assist the county in rebuilding the system’s communications tower in west Winston County after it was damaged during a storm in January 2023. Upgrades will also be made to emergency communications equipment on the east side of the county.
“A reliable emergency communications system is essential for law enforcement and other first responders to coordinate timely life-saving efforts,” Gov. Ivey said. “These vital funds will help rebuild and extend the reach of Winston County’s emergency communications system which was damaged last year by a tornado.”
The proposed improvements include the construction of a 920-foot-tall communications tower, standing 20 feet taller than its predecessor and engineered to withstand winds of up to 110 miles per hour. New base stations will be constructed on the west and east sides of the county. County leaders say that the improvements will enhance communications infrastructure and improve 911 emergency calls.
The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs administers the ARC program in Alabama.
“These improvements are essential to the safety and welfare of Winston County residents,” ADECA Director Kenneth Boswell said. “ADECA is pleased to join Gov. Ivey, ARC and the Winston County Commission in support of this project.”
Gov. Ivey informed Commission Chairman Roger Hayes of the approved grant with the county committing matching funds of $82,500 for the improvements.
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 Winston 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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