Governor Bentley Awards $1.3 Million in Grants for Counties in West Alabama

By: Jake Jacobs, Aide-de-Camp & Public Affairs Specialist

EPES (Governor’s Office) – Governor Robert Bentley on Tuesday awarded four Community Development Block Grants (CDBG) totaling $1.3 million to communities in Greene, Marengo and Sumter counties.

“The grants awarded today are much needed to improve the infrastructure in these communities,” Governor Bentley said. “For the continued community and economic growth improvements must be made, so the infrastructure can sustain the growth. 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.”

The town of Boligee was awarded a $250,000 grant that will be used to resurface Main Street, Allison Street and Gould Street. The town of Epes was awarded a $350,000 grant to be used to rehabilitate 22 homes and repave Porter Avenue. The Marengo County Commission was awarded a $350,000 grant that will be used to extend water services to County Road 53 and interconnect Thomaston and Linden. The city of York received a $350,000 grant to be used to rehabilitate vitrified clay sewer mains beginning at U.S. Highway 17 and continuing along Broad Street.

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

“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 west Alabama.”

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