MONTGOMERY — A $500,000 grant announced by Gov. Kay Ivey will further help lead to hundreds of imminent and future jobs in Macon County.
Funds from the Appalachian Regional Commission will be combined with a $250,000 Community Development Block Grant, awarded last year by Gov. Ivey, to construct a needed entrance to Regional East Alabama Logistics (REAL) Park.
The industrial park, located just south of Interstate 85 on Alabama Highway 186 (Wire Road), will be home to Trendco USA and future industries. Trendco, a producer of nitrile gloves used in the medical profession, plans to employ nearly 300 people at the plant during the next five years.
“Trendco USA’s expansion is great economic news for the county and for Alabama,” Gov. Ivey said. “I am pleased to announce these additional funds for a project that will create jobs both now and in the future for residents of Macon County and nearby areas.”
Funds from both federal sources will be used to provide a turn lane into the park from Alabama Highway 186 in addition to an access road into the industrial park and Trendco. The project will also pave the way for future industries to locate in the industrial park.
The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs is administering the grant.
“The Appalachian Regional Commission continues to help usher new industries into Alabama and improve lives and livelihoods,” ADECA Director Kenneth Boswell said. “ADECA joins with Gov. Ivey in celebrating this project and looking forward to continuing positive developments in this area of Alabama.”
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 Macon 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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Media Contact
Jim Plott or Mike Presley
ADECA Communications and External Affairs
(334) 242-5525
