MONTGOMERY — Gov. Kay Ivey has awarded a $500,000 grant to help Cleburne County rebuild a well-traveled bridge that was destroyed in an August rainstorm that caused a normally docile creek to overflow and inflict the damage.
Gov. Ivey awarded an urgent need Community Development Block Grant to assist the county in rebuilding the bridge on Cleburne County Road 10 east of Ranburne after its loss created a hardship for the more than 500 vehicles, including truck traffic, that travel the road daily.
The road closure also means police, fire and other emergency vehicles could be delayed by having to take alternate routes. The road is also a main connector between U.S. Alabama Highway 431 and Cleburne County Road 46.
“While we can be as prepared as we can, we all know too well that the forces of nature often come suddenly and forcefully and create havoc in their path,” Gov. Ivey said. “I am pleased to award these funds that will help support the Cleburne County Commission as it goes about the task of rebuilding this bridge.”
More than one foot of rain fell in less than 24 hours in August causing Knokes Creek to swell beyond its borders and increase its velocity, which destroyed much of the bridge and roadway, county officials said.
Gov. Ivey awarded the grant through the urgent need CDBG fund which is designed to assist local governments in emergencies. The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs is administering the grant.
“Community Development Block Grants awarded under the urgent need fund are special and rare grants provided to help communities get back on their feet after an isolated disaster,” ADECA Director Kenneth Boswell said. “ADECA is pleased to join Gov. Ivey in this project.”
Gov. Ivey notified Lane Kilgore, chairman of the Cleburne County Commission, that the grant had been approved. The county is providing nearly $600,000 in matching funds for the project.
ADECA manages a range of programs that support law enforcement, economic development, recreation, energy conservation and water resource management.
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