MONTGOMERY— A $175,000 grant awarded by Gov. Kay Ivey will enable a Sumter County company to expand and provide additional jobs.
The Community Development Block Grant will support infrastructure needed for Southwest Paper Sales Inc., to expand and add 20 employees over the next three years. Located in Livingston’s North Industrial Park, Southwest Paper Sales already employs 117 people in its production of various paper products.
“The continued growth of Southwest Paper Sales is great economic news for Livingston and Sumter County,” Gov. Ivey said. “I am pleased to help the city of Livingston with infrastructure needs for this expansion which will create jobs for residents.”
The company’s planned $2 million expansion will involve purchasing new equipment for an additional production line.
CDBG funds will be used to refurbish a rail line that links the Southwest Paper Sales facility to the main rail line. The company relies heavily on rail transportation for its product shipping.
The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs is administering the grant from funds made available by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.
“ADECA is pleased to join Gov. Ivey and the city of Livingston in this project that will assist Southwest Paper Sales in its expansion and create positive economic impact in the area,” ADECA Director Kenneth Boswell said.
Gov. Ivey notified Mayor James C. Dial III that the grant had been approved. The city has pledged $35,000 in local funding for the project.
ADECA administers an array of programs supporting law enforcement and traffic safety, economic development, energy conservation, water resource management and recreation development.
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