MONTGOMERY — Gov. Kay Ivey has announced a $500,000 grant to improve traffic safety and efficiency in the city of Glencoe while also enhancing access to future development in the growing city.
The grant from the Appalachian Regional Commission – a federal-state partnership – will be used to make road improvements along Chastain Boulevard West (U.S. Highway 431), West Air Depot Road and West Main Street.
“Glencoe’s growth means economic opportunity, commercial development and the need for traffic safety improvements with busier roads,” Gov. Ivey said. “I am pleased to announce this grant to support these needed improvements.”
City officials said the traffic improvements will promote continued growth and economic vitality of the city while also helping to manage traffic in that part of Glencoe. The project will involve constructing an access road parallel to Chastain Boulevard and a turn lane from Chastain Boulevard.
The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs administers the ARC program in Alabama.
“Economic growth is great for a community, but it should not come at the cost of creating traffic hazards,” ADECA Director Kenneth Boswell said. “I commend Glencoe leaders for their attention to all aspects of development and growth.”
Gov. Ivey notified Glencoe Mayor Chris Hare 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 Etowah County, are part of the ARC region and eligible for funds.
ADECA administers a wide range of programs supporting law enforcement and traffic safety, economic development, energy conservation, water resource management and recreation development.
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