MONTGOMERY – Gov. Kay Ivey has announced a $249,750 grant to upgrade a wastewater treatment system that serves businesses and a fire station in the city of Guin.
The funds from the Appalachian Regional Commission will be used to rehabilitate a package plant, which is a compact facility used to treat water in smaller industrial areas that are not connected to a municipal sewer system. The plant serves a Chevron gas station, Guin’s Fire Station No. 2, and a Holiday Inn that contains a popular local restaurant called Grille 22 and a banquet room. The package plant is on Alabama Highway 44, just south of Interstate 22. City leaders anticipate further development in the area, citing plans by IHG Hotels and Resorts to remodel the Holiday Inn as well as a potential new industry.
“This project to refurbish the existing system is an economical way for the city of Guin to support current and future industry in the area,” Gov. Ivey said. “I commend city leaders for recognizing the need for an upgrade and identifying a solution.”
The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs administers the ARC program in Alabama.
“This is a necessary update that will allow the city to continue providing clean water to businesses and municipal operations,” ADECA Director Kenneth Boswell said. “I am grateful to the Appalachian Regional Commission for providing funding for vital infrastructure projects in Alabama cities like Guin that might otherwise struggle with the price tag.”
Gov. Ivey notified Guin Mayor Phil Segraves that the grant had been approved. The city will contribute $249,750 in local funds to 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 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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