Governor Kay Ivey announced she has awarded $2.6 million to six Alabama counties to help them overcome the COVID-19 pandemic. Etowah, Lee, Clarke, Coffee, Houston, and Pike counties are receiving this money as part of a special Community Development Block Grant program funded from the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act. More than $40 million has been allocated to Alabama for this program.
Gov. Ivey will announce additional grants to other Alabama cities and counties as applications are processed. The grant funds are required to be used on projects relating to the recovery from or preventing the spread of the COVID-19 virus or any future infectious diseases.
The funds were made available to the state by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. The funds can be used to support COVID-19 testing and vaccinations, rental, mortgage and utility assistance, and assistance to food banks and pantries. Additionally, it can be used for job creation, business assistance, and related projects to provide pandemic relief. Alabama counties receiving the CDBG-COVID funds are required to make an application with the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs.
Gov. Ivey stated, “It is imperative for our own safety and welfare and for the sake of the economy that we put COVID-19 behind us and get on with our lives. I am hopeful these funds will be beneficial in assisting these counties to help their residents as we continue to take great steps to overcome the pandemic.”
It’s imperative for our own safety & welfare & for the sake of the economy that we put #COVID19 behind us & get on with our lives. I’m hopeful this $2.6 million will be beneficial in assisting 6 more counties to help their residents overcome the pandemic. https://t.co/pO52kjspyM
— Governor Kay Ivey (@GovernorKayIvey) June 18, 2021
ADECA Director Kenneth Boswell stated, “The list of projects may differ, but the overall goal of everyone involved in this grant process is to ensure our recovery and to get Alabama back on the move. I am delighted at the cooperative spirit displayed by Alabama’s counties, towns, and cities in formulating their needs and concerns in this grant process.”
Etowah County was awarded $500,000 to provide relief grants to small businesses and provide rental and utility assistance to qualified low and moderate-income people.
Lee County was awarded $500,000 to allocate funds for assistance with rent and utility bill payment assistance and food distribution.
Clarke County was awarded $300,000 to provide rent and utility bill assistance to low- and moderate-income families and provide personal protective equipment for first responders.
Coffee County was awarded $500,000 to construct an emergency operations center.
Houston County was awarded $400,000 to supply the county with a mobile testing and vaccination unit and construct a storage area for personal protection equipment.
Pike County was awarded $400,000 to purchase two ambulances for its fire department.
