Alabama Governor Kay Ivey has awarded nearly $17.5 million to help make improvements in towns, cities, and counties around the state.
Gov. Ivey’s office announced the Community Development Block Grants on Tuesday, Nov. 7.
The grants, among other things, will enable local governments to pave or resurface roads, eliminate blight and drainage problems, improve water or sewer service and build or improve local community centers and playgrounds.
“Community Development Block Grants annually assist our local governments with some of their most pressing needs and projects that may be out of reach of their own budgets,” Gov. Ivey said. “I am honored to award these funds for projects that will make a positive impact in communities across our great state.”
Local grants included:
Cordova – $368,000 to demolish and clear about 30 dilapidated structures in the downtown area.
“We’re so proud to have been awarded this CDBG grant from ADECA,” Cordova Mayor Jeremy Pate said. “This grant will demolish and clean up about 30 properties. This will be 30 lots that will be ready to possibly build a new home on. Eliminating this blight will continue to help us effect positive change in our community and to continue the progress of rebuilding our community.
Nauvoo – $305,463 to demolish and clear two dilapidated structures – the old junior high school and a vacant church— both in the downtown area.
“On behalf of the Town of Nauvoo, I would like to thank the Regional Planning Commission of Greater Birmingham for its dedication and support by helping Nauvoo secure CDBG funding,” Nauvoo Mayor Terry Burgett said. “As a small town with limited resources, the RPCGB was an essential component for us in the grant application process. We are extremely grateful for their partnership and are excited for the future of Nauvoo.”
Rep. Matt Woods, R-Jasper, via a Facebook post, extended his congratulations to Cordova and Nauvoo.
“Good things are happening in Nauvoo. Congratulations to the town on being awarded a $305,000 Community Development Block Grant to take down the old junior high and make way for a future community space,” Woods said.
He also commented on Cordova’s Community Development Block Grant.
“This grant will be used to clear blight within the city limits of Cordova,” Woods said. “This project will positively impact 619 households by improving property value through the remediation process. The project will also improve drainage flows in the downtown and neighborhoods by remediating the drainage blockages caused by these structures.”
Parrish – $400,000 to improve four city streets and improve drainage along those streets.
“I am ecstatic, to say the least. Anytime you are able to pave roads in Parrish, Alabama, it is a big deal. When I was campaigning for mayor, the citizens of Parrish expressed many valid concerns. The conditions of our roadways were the most prevalent concern,” Parrish Mayor Bubba Cagle said. “The town council and I have strived to address this need since 2020. We have received $700,000 in street improvement grants and spent over $230,000 additionally in paving/road repairs. We appreciate our grant writer, Terry Acuff, Rep. Tim Wadsworth, our wonderful office staff, and all of our citizens and town stakeholders who filled out surveys and wrote support letters. This is a huge win for the people of Parrish.”
Rep. Tim Wadsworth, R-Arley, recently congratulated Parrish in a Facebook post.
“We would like to extend our heartfelt appreciation to Mayor Jared ‘Bubba’ Cagle for his hard work and dedication in applying for this grant,” Wadsworth said. “His efforts have paid off, and the town will now have the necessary funds to enhance the infrastructure and ensure safer and more efficient transportation for its residents.
“This CDBG grant will undoubtedly have a positive impact on the community, improving the quality of life for all who live in Parrish,” Wadsworth added. “The investment in road improvements will not only enhance connectivity but also contribute to economic development and attract potential businesses and investors to the area.”
The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs is administering the grants from funds made available by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.
“Many of those local governments that surveyed their most critical needs and took the time and effort to complete CDBG applications are seeing that hard work pay off with today’s announcement,” ADECA Director Kenneth Boswell said. “ADECA joins Gov. Ivey in full support of these projects. I also encourage those governments that fell short of receiving funding to persevere and continue applying for these all-important funds.”
