MONTGOMERY — Gov. Kay Ivey has announced a $1 million grant aimed at providing clean and reliable water to residents and businesses in Marion County.
The grant from the Appalachian Regional Commission, a federal-state partnership program, will enable the Marion County Public Water Authority to connect its system to the town of Vina’s water system for approximately 30 percent of its water. The project will improve public water service for about 500 residential customers and 20 businesses. The town also receives water from other nearby systems.
“Safe and abundant water supply is not only necessary for good health, but also for the livelihood of every community,” Gov. Ivey said. “I am pleased to support this major project that will ensure that residents and businesses in rural Marion County have long-term access to public water.”
The Marion County Public Water Authority will install about seven miles of 6-inch water line along Alabama Highway 19 and Pap Franklin Road to bring water from Vina to Marion County public water customers and ensure that the water system adheres to standards approved by the Alabama Department of Environmental Management. A booster station will also be installed to ensure adequate water pressure.
The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs administers the ARC program in Alabama.
“Local leaders are to be commended for stepping in and finding a solution that will benefit customers of the Marion County Public Water Authority,” ADECA Director Kenneth Boswell said. “ADECA is pleased to join Gov. Ivey in support of this project.”
Gov. Ivey notified Dale McCreless, chairman of the Marion County Public Water Authority, 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 Marion 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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