Governor Bentley Announces Grant for Blount County

By: Gina Maiola, Digital Content Producer

MONTGOMERY (Governor’s Office) – Governor Robert Bentley on Monday awarded a Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) to the Town of Hayden. The grant award totaling $345,000 will be used for road improvements for High Tide Oil Company. The much needed funds will help build a travel center including a gas station, restaurant and convenience store along Alabama Highway 160 near exit 284 on I-65. The project will result in the creation of 35 new jobs. At least 51 percent of the jobs created will be for low and moderate income persons. The Town of Hayden has committed a $70,000 match for this project.

“These grants are the lifeblood of rural Alabama,” Governor Bentley said. “The communities are better prepared to grow their economies and attract businesses when they have the resources to make improvements to their infrastructure. Without the CDBG funds these municipalities would not be able to afford much needed upgrades. We are proud to be able to award these very important grants to make sure future growth is possible.”

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

“This development offers an Alabama company an opportunity to grow and provide local jobs for the community,” ADECA Director Jim Byard Jr. said. “ADECA cherishes the opportunities to partner with local communities on projects that help make them and Alabama stronger. I am delighted to provide our assistance to the town of Hayden in making this project a reality.”

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