Robert Bentley awards grants to make improvements in northwest Alabama

Gov. Robert Bentley has awarded more than $2.1 million to provide clean drinking water and fire protection to residents, alleviate road, sewer and drainage problems and improve a park that experienced severe flood damage in five northwest Alabama counties.

Provided to the state by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, the funds come in the form of Community Development Block Grants (CDBG) and and are being administered by the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs to Haleyville, Russellville, Lexington, Town Creek, Hamilton and Marion County.

The governor made the Haleyville announcement Monday while visiting Winston county.

“Community Development Block Grants help communities take on projects that enhance the lives of their residents, projects they might not otherwise be able to afford,” Bentley said. “I am pleased to assist local officials in their efforts to make these improvements.”

The grant recipients and their projects are:

1. Haleyville (Winston County): A $450,000 CDBG to the city of Haleyville will provide street reconstruction and drainage improvements and water and sewer upgrades in the Cripple Creek neighborhood. The project area is around Newburg Road, including parts of 33rd, 34th and 35th streets and 17th, 18th and 19th avenues. The improvements will alleviate many health and safety concerns stemming from potholes, standing water, inflow and infiltration problems and water leaks. The city is providing $100,003 to supplement the grant.
2. The city of Russellville (Franklin County): Hal Kirby Jr. Park, located in the Mill Village area of the city of Russellville, experienced severe flooding in May, resulting in “a total loss,” according to the city’s grant application. A $250,000 CDBG to the city will provide new fencing for the two ball fields at the park, a multiuse building to accommodate the concession stand, restrooms and press box, and associated walkways that are compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Local matching funds and in-kind services will provide an additional $109,399 toward the project.
3. The town of Lexington (Lauderdale County): The town of Lexington will improve its water system with help from a $350,000 CDBG. The project will replace old, deteriorated water lines and install fire hydrants. The project area includes parts of Albert Brewer Drive, state highways 101 and 64, East Avenue, North and South Oak Park Drive, county roads 48 and 136, School-Church Street and Taylor-Kizer Road. Local funds of $20,000 will supplement the award.
4. The town of Town Creek (Lawrence County): A $250,000 CDBG to Town Creek will help fund water system improvements. Along with making upgrades to the town’s water storage tank, which will have system-wide benefits, water distribution improvements will be made along parts of Hazlewood, Lemay, Lovett, Meredith, Sanderson, Slayton and Wallace streets and Rosecrest Circle. Local funds of $25,000 will supplement the grant.
5. The Marion County Commission (Marion County): The Marion County Commission will use a $350,000 CDBG to provide new public water service to the southwestern portion of the county known as the North Detroit Community. The county will install more than 23,000 feet of water pipe and related system parts and 10 fire hydrants. The area has been reliant on private wells and springs that have shown bacterial contamination. The county Public Water Authority is providing $131,310 toward the project.
6. The city of Hamilton (Marion County): Will complete water, sewer and street improvements in the Weston Housing Complex with help from a $450,000 CDBG. The project will include the installation of about 5,800 feet of various types of water lines, four fire hydrants, 43 meters and additional system components. The sewer rehabilitation includes installing more than 5,000 feet of various sewer lines, and the street leading into the area will be repaved to a level that allows for smooth driving and adequate drainage. The city and the Hamilton Housing Authority are providing $239,800 to supplement the award.