MONTGOMERY — Gov. Kay Ivey has awarded $1.4 million to assist six Alabama communities in improving outdoor recreational opportunities for their residents.
The grants were awarded to five municipalities and one county from funds made available by the Federal Highway Administration’s Recreational Trails Program.
“These projects will benefit people of all ages and provide them with even more reasons to enjoy Alabama’s outdoors,” Gov. Ivey said. “I am pleased to award these grants that will increase recreation opportunities for many residents while making these communities better places to live.”
The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs is administering the awards.
“Beyond the benefits of having a way to exercise, a well-used and well-maintained trail casts a positive reflection on a community and its people,” ADECA Director Kenneth Boswell said. “ADECA is pleased to join Gov. Ivey in support of these trail projects.”
The awarded grants and projects are:
Abbeville– $169,180 to renovate the 2,450-foot-long, multi-use trail at the Abbeville Recreational Complex. The 10-foot-wide renovated trail will be compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Hueytown – $400,000 to construct the first phase of the 330-acre West Rock Mountain Preserve. The project at the south trailhead will include approximately 5.3 miles of hiking and biking trails and a gravel parking area.
Hurtsboro- $119,943 to construct a 5-foot-wide, asphalt walking trail in the town park. The project will also include exercise stations, benches and a platform for bird watching.
Lowndesboro– $192,000 to resurface the 1,950-foot-long walking trail at Ruby S. Moore Park. The project will also include drainage improvements and landscaping.
Madison County Commission – $400,000 to construct a 10-foot-wide, 4,750-foot-long multi-use asphalt trail along an abandoned railroad bed between Smokey Hill Court and County Lake Road in an unincorporated area northeast of Huntsville.
New Site – $129,731 to pave the town’s 8-foot-wide, 1,150-foot-long walking trail, install benches, add two paved handicapped parking spaces and provide additional drainage at the town’s wellness and recreational trail facility.
ADECA administers an array of programs supporting law enforcement and traffic safety, economic development, energy conservation, water resource management and recreation development.
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Media
Jim Plott or Mike Presley
ADECA Communications and External Affairs
(334) 242-5525
