MONTGOMERY — Gov. Kay Ivey has announced a $500,000 grant to provide infrastructure for a project that will create 450 jobs in west Alabama.
The grant from the Appalachian Regional Commission will supply public water services to a new coal mine being developed by Warrior Met Coal. The new mine is expected to have a big economic impact for Walker, Tuscaloosa and Fayette counties.
“Access to dependable local water service is essential to attract and grow new business and jobs,” Gov. Ivey said. “I am pleased to support this grant to extend water service to support Warrior Met Coal’s expansion in west Alabama.”
Funds will be used to construct a connection from the Parrish Water System to the Oakman Water System, ensuring adequate water supply to Warrior Met Coal. The connection will require the installation of 9,000 feet of water line and a booster pump. Once completed, Parrish can provide up to 130 gallons per minute to the Oakman system.
Warrior Met Coal is investing $650 million to $700 million over the next five years to develop the Blue Creek mine near Brandon School Road and Alabama Highway 69. The coal is expected to be shipped globally.
The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs administers the ARC program in Alabama.
“This project, which is bringing needed jobs to this area, is a collaboration of many partners,” ADECA Director Kenneth Boswell said. “Of those partners, the Appalachian Regional Commission, as in many times previously, has willingly supported Alabama economic development projects.”
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 Tuscaloosa 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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