MONTGOMERY — Gov. Kay Ivey has announced a $290,000 grant to upgrade infrastructure at a Lawrence County industrial park to accommodate existing and future industries.
The grant from the Appalachian Regional Commission, a federal-state partnership, will be used to expand the wastewater treatment plant at Mallard Fox West Industrial Park. The upgrade will help meet the needs of current businesses at the industrial park near the town of Trinity and support future growth at the park.
“Mallard Fox West Industrial Park, home to First Solar Inc. and the Jack Daniel Cooperage, is a major player in industry in north Alabama and has the opportunity to bring in additional heavy-hitter industries because of its great location and ties to other businesses,” Gov. Ivey said. “I am pleased to announce this grant to provide improved infrastructure for existing business as well as future industries bringing more jobs and investment to north Alabama.”
The West Morgan-East Lawrence Water and Sewer Authority is making upgrades to the industrial park’s wastewater system to ensure it remains compliant with environmental regulations and to sustain treatment of sewage volume from residential and industrial customers.
The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs administers the ARC program in Alabama.
“Local leaders are to be commended for recognizing that infrastructure is essential for existing industries to continue to operate and to meet the needs of future businesses,” ADECA Director Kenneth Boswell said. “ADECA joins Gov. Ivey in supporting this project.”
Gov. Ivey notified Nathan Kitchens, chairman of the Lawrence County Commission, that the grant had been approved. Local funds of $290,000 have been pledged for the project.
ARC is an economic development agency of the federal government and 13 partner 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 Lawrence 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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