MONTGOMERY – Gov. Kay Ivey has announced a $500,000 grant to the city of Carbon Hill to replace old, brittle water mains that have experienced frequent leaks and caused water outages.
The Appalachian Regional Commission funds will be used to replace the Walker County city’s most dilapidated water mains, which are 50 years old and too thin to sustain the necessary water pressure to supply the city. Carbon Hill Utilities Board officials say that water main breaks are frequent and have at times forced businesses to temporarily close. The new water main will directly benefit 30 businesses and 100 households in the downtown area while providing indirect benefits throughout the city.
“These interruptions in water service have created hardships for Carbon Hill residents and business owners,” Gov. Ivey said. “I commend city leaders for actively looking for a solution, and I am pleased to announce these funds, which will help raise the quality of life for residents and keep these businesses open.”
The total cost of the project is estimated at $1 million. Gov. Ivey awarded the city $400,000 in Community Development Block Grant funds earlier this year to help with the project. The city will contribute the remaining $100,000.
The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs administers the ARC program in Alabama.
“Many smaller cities and towns struggle with the costs of updating infrastructure, and grants like this can provide a major benefit,” ADECA Director Kenneth Boswell said. “ADECA is pleased to join the Appalachian Regional Commission and Gov. Kay Ivey in support of this project.”
Gov. Ivey notified Carbon Hill Mayor Judy Hurst 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 Walker 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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