MONTGOMERY — Gov. Kay Ivey has announced additional funding for a project that will increase commerce and produce jobs in Walker County.
The $500,000 grant from the Appalachian Regional Commission will be used to provide infrastructure necessary for the construction of a Love’s Travel Stop and Country Store at the intersection of Interstate 22 and Walker County Highway 81 in the city of Dora.
Gov. Ivey recently awarded a $500,000 Community Development Block Grant, which like the ARC grant, will be used for sewer infrastructure for the project. When the project is completed, it will create 50 jobs and is expected to lead the way for additional commerce projects at the interstate intersection.
“Growth is taking off in northwest Alabama since the completion of Interstate 22 in 2016, and the development of this Love’s Travel Stop and Country Store is another economic boost for Dora and Walker County,” Gov. Ivey said. “I fully expect that other commercial development projects will follow as more people take advantage of this vital interstate linking Birmingham with Memphis.”
The Love’s Travel Stop is being constructed in the Heritage Landing Development, a 50-acre multi-use commercial area. The development is located on a reclaimed coal mining site.
The project involves extending a sewer line 4.5 miles from Dora to the interstate and the Love’s development which in addition to fueling stations will include a convenience store and fast-food restaurant. The business, which will also offer full truck services, supplies, shower facilities and an RV dump station, will be open 24 hours a day year-round. Local leaders say the development could open the door to future businesses in the vicinity.
The project in addition to extending sewer lines will involve building two new pump stations.
The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs is administering the grant.
“This project will bring an economic boost to the city of Dora and the surrounding region,” ADECA Director Kenneth Boswell said. “I join Governor Ivey in expressing gratitude to the Appalachian Regional Commission for their participation in this project and their recognition of the benefits that this and future developments will have on the region.”
Gov. Ivey notified Mayor Hezikiah L. Walker Jr. that the grant had been approved. The town has pledged $402,500 in local funds for the project.
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 Walker County, are part of the ARC region and eligible for funds.
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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