MONTGOMERY – Gov. Kay Ivey has announced a $500,000 grant to upgrade a key component of the Scottsboro sewer system.
The Scottsboro Water, Sewer, and Gas Board will use the funds from the Appalachian Regional Commission to expand the capacity of the Hood sewer lift station, which was installed to pump sewer flow from the northeast section of the city in 1978. City leaders said the lift station currently lacks the capacity to pump sewer flow due to population growth in the area. The station has experienced backups and overflows in this section of the sewer system, leading to an ADEM consent order in 2019.
“This project will provide a critical infrastructure upgrade for Scottsboro and lessen environmental concerns caused by the current limitations of the sewer system,” Gov. Ivey said. “I am pleased to announce these funds that will allow the city to move forward with these much-needed improvements.”
The project calls for installing additional pumps, modifying the holding tank, upgrading piping and electrical systems and adding flow monitoring equipment at the lift station. The station serves all the homes and businesses north of Highway 35 and east of Highway 72.
The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs administers the ARC program in Alabama.
“The Appalachian Regional Commission has long been a valued partner for cities and counties in north Alabama looking to improve the quality of life for residents,” ADECA Director Kenneth Boswell said. “ADECA joins Gov. Ivey in support of this project.”
Gov. Ivey notified Scottsboro Water, Sewer, and Gas Board General Manager Jim Greene that the grant had been approved. The board will contribute an additional $500,000 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 Jackson 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.
-30-
