Governor Bentley Announces Two Grants for Alabama Black Belt County

By: Gina Maiola, Digital Content Producer

SELMA (Governor’s Office) – Governor Robert Bentley on Wednesday announced two Community Development Block grants (CDBG) were awarded to the city of Selma and the community of Selmont. The grants will provide funds for sewer and drainage improvements to areas in both locations. The announcement was a part of the Governor’s remarks to more than 250 guests attending the annual Alabama Tombigbee Regional Commission dinner.

“Improving rural Alabama is one of the main focal points in my Great State 2019 plan and CDBG grants are a great resource to help local governments tackle serious challenges facing their communities,” Governor Bentley said. “Today I am honored to present two well-deserved grants. Dallas County is an area that is rich in history and I am proud we are taking steps to preserve two great communities and improve the lives of its citizens through these grants.”

The Selmont community was awarded a CDBG grant totaling $350,000 for sewer improvements.  The funds will be used to upgrade and replace three sanitary lift stations. The project will benefit 408 people in the area, in which 96.8 percent of the residents are of low and/or moderate income. Dallas County is providing matching funds of $291,000 bringing the total funding to over $600,000.

The city of Selma was awarded a $450,000 CDBG grant to improve drainage issues along 10 older streets and avenues in locations throughout the city. It is estimated 200 people will benefit from this project. The City of Selma is providing $45,000 in matching funds, increasing total funds to nearly $500,000.

Both CDBG grants are made available through the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs (ADECA).

“ADECA’s community development block grants are important investments in the quality of life for Alabama communities,” ADECA Director Jim Byard, Jr. said. “This year, ADECA received 108 applications for projects that support economic and community development.   We were able to award 54 projects totaling $17.5 million in investments.  I am proud of the projects chosen this year, especially these projects for Dallas County and the City of Selma.”

The CDBG program provides communities with resources to meet development needs and goes to affect the lives of millions of people throughout the country.

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