MONTGOMERY – Gov. Kay Ivey has announced a $1 million grant for infrastructure improvements to meet a growing demand for water in Scottsboro and western Jackson County.
The grant from the Appalachian Regional Commission will be used to improve water service to 3,360 households and 35 businesses in the western part of Jackson County, which local leaders say is feeling the impact of Huntsville’s rapid growth.
“Communities need adequate water service to grow and thrive as they should, and I commend local leaders for working to address this need in Jackson County,” Gov. Ivey said. “The improvements funded by this grant will encourage more industrial development and provide reliable water service to new residents attracted to this area.”
The recipient of the grant is the Scottsboro Water, Sewer and Gas Board, which is the sole provider of public water to the western portion of Jackson County. The board will use the funds from the grant to finance the construction of a new water pumping station and 6,000 feet of water main. The Jackson County Commission committed to provide $1 million in matching funds for the project.
The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs administers the ARC program in Alabama.
“This project will fulfill a vital need in northeast Alabama, which has become an attractive location for new residents and industries,” ADECA Director Kenneth Boswell said. “ADECA is pleased to partner with Gov. Ivey, the Appalachian Regional Commission and local leaders in support of this initiative.”
Gov. Ivey notified Scottsboro Water, Sewer and Gas Board Chairman Jim Green 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 Jackson 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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