Kay Ivey awards $26.6 million to communities to expand broadband access
Gov. Kay Ivey announced today that more than $26 million in state funds have been awarded to provide broadband services in numerous locations throughout Alabama. The nine grants were awarded to broadband providers across the state. Once work is completed, the expanded broadband service will provide the capability to serve nearly 15,000 additional households, businesses, and public facilities, including schools and police, and fire services in areas without access to broadband service. Broadband providers supply access to broadband service, but households and businesses must still pay for connecting to the service. The expansion will also provide additional links to make it more feasible to supply future broadband service within those areas. “Alabama continues to make strides in providing reliable high-speed internet services for families and businesses throughout Alabama,” stated Governor Ivey. “I extend my thanks to legislators who realize the importance and the huge impact that access to broadband services mean for Alabama. I also thank the service providers for their willingness to be a part of this mission to change the lives of Alabamians.” The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs (ADECA) administers the Broadband Accessibility Fund grants from state funds allocated by the Legislature. The grants are issued through ADECA’s Alabama Digital Expansion Division, which was created by legislation signed by Governor Ivey in 2021 focusing on broadband expansion in Alabama. According to ADECA, many Alabama homes and businesses receive less than the current federal definition of broadband service, which is 25 megabits per second (Mbps) download speed and three Mbps upload speed. “Having access to high-speed internet service can change the world for families in rural areas, particularly when it comes to education, health care, or running a business,” said ADECA Director Kenneth Boswell. “I am honored to have the trust that Governor Ivey and the Alabama Legislature have placed in ADECA to administer this program that is making a difference for people throughout the state.” Grants awarded and affected areas are: Blount/Etowah Counties Comcast Cable Communications – $1.32 million to provide access to 956 households, businesses, and public institutions in the towns and communities of Allgood, Altoona, Walnut Grove, Pana, Ellison Crossroads, and Redbud. Cherokee County Comcast Cable Communications – $4.74 million to provide broadband access to 2,778 households, businesses, and public buildings in the towns of Leesburg, Sand Rock, and the community of Anderson. Colbert County Comcast Cable Communications – $1.2 million to provide broadband access to 1,567 households, businesses, and public establishments near the town of Leighton and the communities of Ford City and Hatton, and an area near the town of Littleville. DeKalb County Farmers Telecommunications Corp. – $3.4 million to provide broadband access to 826 households, businesses, and public service institutions in or near the towns, cities, and communities of Mentone, Valley Head, Fort Payne, Cloudmont, Cloudland, Union Hill, Moon Lake, Ponderosa, Bankhead, Little River East Fork, Little River West Fork, Oakdale, Sylvania Gap, and DeSoto State Park. Jackson County Farmers Telecommunications Corp. – $4.37 million to provide broadband access to 1,818 households, businesses, and public buildings, including all or parts of the towns and communities of Dutton, Section, Langston, Powell, Macedonia, Davistown, Pleasant View, Hodge, and Hancock Crossing. Lauderdale County Spectrum Southeast – $2.31 million to provide broadband access near the town of Waterloo. The project will make high-speed internet available to 2,267 households, businesses, and public institutions. Mobile County Comcast Cable Communications – $686,298 to provide broadband access to 438 households, businesses, and public institutions in the communities of Alabama Port and Mon Louis. St. Clair County Comcast Cable Communications – $3.63 million to provide broadband access to 2,104 households, businesses, and public institutions in an area adjacent to the town of Ragland. Walker County Spectrum Southeast – $4.95 million to provide broadband access for 2,097 households, businesses, and public institutions in the areas of the towns of Oakman and Nauvoo.
Alabama investing in safety of state troopers
Troopers within the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency are expected to benefit from a new investment. Alabama has awarded a $20,365 grant to the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency, Gov. Kay Ivey said, that will be used to buy new bulletproof vests. The grant funding comes from dollars awarded to the state by the U.S. Department of Justice. Ivey said it was “imperative” to provide additional protection for state troopers. “I cannot say thank you enough to our state troopers and all law enforcement officers in Alabama who put their lives on the line when they put on that badge,” Ivey said in a release. “It is my prayer that no officers are injured or worse because of someone’s senseless and selfish actions. These vests will provide an added layer of protection when our officers enter potentially dangerous situations.” According to the release, the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs will administer the grant from funds to give law enforcement agencies the chance to buy or replace protection equipment for officers. “All of us feel tremendously saddened when an officer is injured or killed in the line of duty,” ADECA Director Kenneth Boswell said in a release. “ According to the release, the agency provides an array of programs supporting law enforcement, in addition to victim programs, economic development, water resource management, energy conservation, and recreation. Republished with the permission of The Center Square.
Kay Ivey awards grants to support statewide agencies that assist domestic violence victims
Gov. Kay Ivey has awarded grants totaling $316,000 to help provide training and resources that ensure victims of domestic violence have access to professional assistance through local law enforcement and nonprofit agencies. The Alabama Coalition Against Rape and the Alabama Coalition Against Domestic Violence will receive $158,000 each to train the staff of local law enforcement agencies, health care organizations, courts, and domestic violence shelters to recognize the signs of abuse and respond more effectively to domestic and dating violence as well as sexual assault. “Domestic violence and sexual assault affect too many Alabamians, and those investigating cases or helping victims should have access to top-notch training when needed,” Gov. Ivey stated. “I am pleased to support these efforts, which will help investigators, prosecutors, shelter staff, and, most importantly, victims.” The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs is administering the grants from funds made available by the U.S. Department of Justice. ADECA administers a wide range of programs that support law enforcement, economic development, infrastructure upgrades, recreation, energy conservation, and water resources management. “ADECA shares Gov. Ivey’s dedication to helping victims of domestic abuse by making sure those who assist them have the best training and resources available,” ADECA Director Kenneth Boswell said.
ADECA says Alabama broadband plans are nearly ready for approval
The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs (ADECA) was tasked with expanding broadband in the state prior to the pandemic, but COVID-19 revealed the necessity for expanding high-speed internet and has brought federal funds and increased urgency. ADECA Director Kenneth Boswell told Alabama’s economic developers the state is ready to spend $85 million in America Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds to expand broadband in the state and is seeking nearly $200 million more in Alabama’s Capital Projects Fund for further expansion. Speaking at the Economic Development Association of Alabama’s 2022 Summer Conference, Boswell said Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey first sought to work broadband into ADECA’s mission in 2017. The Alabama Rural Broadband Coalition pushed for legislation in 2019. That legislation eventually passed, and Ivey signed it into law in July 2021. The ARPA funding was a response to the pandemic when quarantines exposed the need for connectivity for people working from home, doing distance learning for school, and needing telemedicine for health care. “(The pandemic) magnified how bad that we needed it,” Boswell said. “It’s quality of life, it’s health care, it’s education – in today’s world, broadband impacts and affects us in every way, shape, form, and fashion.” Boswell said there is a need for $4 billion to $6 billion to expand broadband in the state, but two plans are at least a start. Companies like C Spire, Point Broadband, and Tombigbee Communications have been working with Alabama Power and others to bridge the state’s digital divide since 2019. Boswell said systems with the infrastructure and networks have the main lines of access – known as the “first mile” – and local providers can connect homes and businesses with what is known as the “last mile.” The need is the “middle mile” between the two, and that is where ADECA plans to spend the $85 million in ARPA funds. “We have five applications in-house right now, and we hope to have those graded, and an announcement made hopefully in the next two weeks,” Boswell said. The other ADECA plan seeks to use funds from the state. “Our second process is the actual Capital Projects Fund with $191 million,” Boswell said. “We have the plan complete. We’re doing all of our checks and balances as we speak. We will submit that to (the Alabama Department of) Commerce. They have up to a year to actually approve the plan, but we’re hoping that because of our advancements with our plan program that we will actually get that done quicker, by hopefully six months.” Those expenditures are in addition to the billions more being spent by private companies helping to expand broadband throughout Alabama. Learn more about Alabama Power’s Economic and Community Development initiatives at AmazingAlabama.com. Republished with the permission of Alabama NewsCenter.
Alabama to receive nearly $312 million to aid in Hurricane Sally, Zeta recovery
Almost $312 million in Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds have been allocated to Alabama for recovery from Hurricanes Sally and Zeta, two hurricanes that battered the coastal areas of the state in fall 2020. Hurricane Sally made landfall on September 16, 2020, in Gulf Shores as a category 2 hurricane. Hurricane Zeta made landfall on October 28, 2020, in Louisiana and quickly crossed near coastal Alabama. Both storms caused significant wind and storm-surge damage. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) allocated the CDBG Disaster Recovery funds totaling $311,732,000 to Alabama as part of the Disaster Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act 2022. The funds will be managed by the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs (ADECA). A majority of the funds will be given to areas including all of Mobile and Baldwin counties as well as the 36502 zip code in western Escambia County. HUD made the determination based on data from Federal Emergency Management Agency. Gov. Kay Ivey said the funding would help areas with long-term recovery efforts. “Natural disasters like Sally and Zeta may test our resolve, but I have seen the resiliency of Alabama and her people time and time again as they recover, rebuild and come back stronger than ever,” Gov. Ivey stated. “These funds will provide a boost to long-term recovery efforts in the communities affected by these disasters.” In the coming months, ADECA will lead public meetings to gather feedback, and the final plan will include details on the types of recovery projects, eligibility for local governments, and the application process. After the plan is approved by HUD, ADECA will begin the application process. “Community Development Block Grants do so much to help Alabama communities complete needed projects that they otherwise would not be able to afford, and that need becomes even greater when a community is recovering from an unexpected natural disaster,” ADECA Director Kenneth Boswell commented. “ADECA is pleased to play a role with Governor Ivey in this funding process, and we will work in the coming months to develop a clear action plan for deploying the grants in an effective manner.”
Kay Ivey announces $250k in grants to bolster public safety and fund law enforcement
Gov. Kay Ivey has awarded more than $250,000 to fund public safety and law enforcement across the state. These awards will aid in improving public safety and upgrading equipment in 12 Alabama jurisdictions. “In Alabama, we back our men and women in blue. I am proud to continue directing funds to these folks who are out there protecting our communities every single day,” said Governor Ivey. “Our law enforcement members put their lives on the line, and it is important we continue doing what we can to support them. I know these funds will go a long way in bolstering our public safety efforts.” The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs (ADECA) will administer the awards with funds supplied to the state through the U.S. Department of Justice. ADECA administers a wide range of programs that support law enforcement, victim programs, economic development, water resource management, energy conservation, and recreation. “ADECA stands with Governor Ivey in her appreciation of our law enforcement officers and how much they mean to our communities,” said ADECA Director Kenneth Boswell. “We are pleased to be a part of the process that equips officers to perform their duties safely and effectively.” Those awarded grants are: Jackson County – $24,000 to enable the Jackson County Sheriff’s Department to purchase bullet-proof vests. Centre – $17,687 to purchase electronic stun guns for the Centre Police Department. Parrish – $23,945 for the Parrish Police Department to purchase laptop computers for patrol vehicles. Irondale – $23,899 to purchase miscellaneous public safety equipment for the Irondale Police Department. Jemison – $16,210 to enable the Jemison Police Department to purchase electronic stun guns, weapons, and alcohol-detection breath analyzers. Tallapoosa County – $24,000 to enable the Tallapoosa County Sheriff’s Department to purchase defibrillators to assist patients in cardiac arrest. Autauga County – $23,800 to enable the Autauga County Sheriff’s Department to buy laptop computers for patrol vehicles. Prattville – $24,000 to help the Prattville Police Department to purchase portable radios compliant with a new and now widely used means of radio communications. Coosada – $23,183 to purchase weapons, radar devices, and miscellaneous equipment for the Coosada Police Department. Butler County – $24,000 to purchase laptop computers for patrol vehicles for the Butler County Sheriff’s Department. Geneva County – $23,726 to upgrade equipment in Geneva County Sheriff’s Department vehicles. Fairhope– $24,000 to purchase a patrol vehicle for the Fairhope Police Department.
Kay Ivey awards $2.6 million in grants to aid victims of domestic violence
Governor Kay Ivey has awarded $2.6 million in grants to the Alabama Coalition Against Domestic Violence and seven nonprofit agencies that serve victims in their communities. The funds will assist victims of domestic violence as they escape from abusive situations and rebuild their lives. Ivey commended the efforts of these organizations to help victims of domestic violence. “Domestic violence is a crime that inflicts physical and emotional abuse with long-ranging effects, so victims need access to professional help to begin the recovery process,” Ivey stated. “I commend these organizations for providing compassionate assistance to victims at a time they need it the most and for offering domestic-violence education and prevention programs.” The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs (ADECA) administers the grants from funds made available to Alabama by the U.S. Department of Justice and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. ADECA administers a wide range of programs that support law enforcement, victim services, economic development, broadband expansion, water resources management, energy conservation, and recreation. “With the proper support, those who have unfortunately been victimized by domestic violence can begin taking steps to a brighter and more hopeful future,” ADECA Director Kenneth Boswell said. “ADECA joins Gov. Ivey in support of these organizations and their important work in communities across Alabama.” Gov. Ivey has awarded the following funds: Alabama Coalition Against Domestic Violence (statewide): $175,000 from the state General Fund to support a statewide domestic violence hotline as well as support the 16 local organizations that provide direct assistance to victims across the state. The coalition will use an additional $70,000 grant for its Economic Justice Project, which seeks to reduce the impact of economic abuse on victims of domestic violence. Safeplace Inc. (Florence): $1.4 million to provide emergency shelter, counseling, assistance with navigating the criminal justice system and other services to victims in Colbert, Franklin, Lauderdale, Lawrence, Marion and Winston counties. YWCA Central Alabama (Birmingham): $135,000 for awareness, education and prevention programs in Blount, Jefferson and St. Clair counties. The agency also provides emergency shelter and other assistance to victims. Turning Point (Tuscaloosa): $45,000 to provide advocacy, emergency shelter, counseling and other assistance to victims in Bibb, Fayette, Greene, Hale, Lamar, Marengo, Pickens, Sumter and Tuscaloosa counties. SABRA Sanctuary Inc. (Selma): $32,810 for domestic violence prevention and education programs in schools and communities in Dallas, Greene, Marengo, Perry, Sumter and Wilcox counties. House of Ruth (Dothan): $456,720 to provide emergency shelter, advocacy, support groups and other assistance to victims in Barbour, Bullock, Coffee, Covington, Dale, Geneva, Henry, Houston and Pike counties. Family Counseling Center of Mobile Inc. (Mobile): $219,000 to assist victims with navigating the criminal justice system, emergency shelter and housing, counseling and other services. The organization serves Clarke, Mobile and Washington counties. The Lighthouse – Baldwin Family Violence Shelter (Robertsdale): $67,973 to provide advocacy, emergency shelter, support groups and other assistance to victims in Baldwin and Escambia counties.
$47 million in grants awarded to assist low-income families with utility costs
The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs (ADECA) announced that Gov. Kay Ivey has awarded grants totaling nearly $47 million to help low-income households with utility costs during the cold winter and hot summer months. The grants will enable 18 community service agencies to provide emergency funding to help low-income families heat and cool their homes in 2022. “Alabama’s coldest and hottest times of the year hit many low-income residents particularly hard when they can struggle to pay their utility bills,” Gov. Ivey said. “These grants will provide extra funding to assist in lowering the costs for many of them so that they can stay warm in the winter and cool in the summer.” ADECA will administer the grants from funds made available by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. ADECA administers an array of programs supporting law enforcement and traffic safety, economic development, energy conservation, water resource management, and recreation development. “ADECA stands with Gov. Ivey in supporting those who need help most during our hottest and coldest months,” ADECA Director Kenneth Boswell said. “These partnerships with local community agencies ensure that those who truly need assistance will receive emergency help with heating and cooling their homes.” Below is a list of each grant, the recipient agency, counties served, and the agency telephone number: $1.34 million to Community Action Agency of Northwest Alabama Inc. (Colbert, Franklin and Lauderdale) 256-766-4330 $2.46 million to Community Action Partnership of Middle Alabama Inc. (Autauga, Chilton, Elmore and Shelby) 205-755-1204 $1.24 million to Community Action Committee Inc. of Chambers-Tallapoosa-Coosa (Chambers, Coosa and Tallapoosa) 256-825-4287 $1.39 million to Alabama Council on Human Relations Inc. (Lee) 334-821-8336 $3.62 million to Community Action Partnership of Huntsville-Madison and Limestone Counties Inc. (Madison and Limestone) 256-851-9800 $5.12 million to Mobile Community Action Inc. (Mobile and Washington) 251-457-5700 $2.57 million to Montgomery Community Action Committee and Community Development Corporation Inc. (Montgomery) 334-263-3474 $3.22 million to Community Action Partnership of North Alabama Inc. (Cullman, Lawrence, Marion, Morgan and Winston) 256-355-7843 $3.9 million to Community Action Agency of Northeast Alabama Inc. (Blount, Cherokee, DeKalb, Jackson, Marshall and St. Clair) 256-638-4430 $3.12 million to Organized Community Action Program Inc. (Bullock, Butler, Covington, Crenshaw, Dale, Lowndes and Pike) 334-566-1712 $3.31 million to Community Action Agency of South Alabama (Baldwin, Clarke, Conecuh, Escambia, Marengo, Monroe and Wilcox) 251-626-2646 $2.28 million to Community Action Agency of Talladega, Clay, Randolph, Calhoun and Cleburne (Calhoun, Clay, Cleburne, Randolph and Talladega) 256-362-6611 $5.97 million to Community Service Programs of West Alabama Inc. (Bibb, Choctaw, Dallas, Fayette, Greene, Hale, Lamar, Perry, Sumter and Tuscaloosa) 205-752-5429 $1 million to Walker County Community Action Agency Inc. (Walker County) 205-221-4010 $3.06 million to Southeast Alabama Community Action Partnership Inc. (Barbour, Coffee, Geneva, Henry and Houston) 334-347-0881 $510,922 to Pickens County Community Action Committee and Community Development Corporation Inc. (Pickens) 205-367-1283 $1.2 million to Macon-Russell Community Action Agency Inc. (Macon and Russell) 334-727-6100 $1.47 million to Community Action of Etowah County Inc. (Etowah) 256-546-9271
Kay Ivey awards $18 million in grants to improve public water services
Gov. Kay Ivey has awarded $18.2 million to provide improvements in more than 50 Alabama towns, cities, and counties. The Community Development Block Grants (CDBG) will help local governments provide public water service to households, repair damaged streets and roads, improve sewer systems, and more. The governor awarded the grants at a ceremony Thursday afternoon in the State Capitol. “Community Development Block Grants are a means in which local governments can address some of their more pressing needs,” stated Ivey. “I am pleased to award these grants, and I commend those local officials who recognized those needs and took the time and effort to seek an answer through this grant program.” The CDBG program in Alabama is awarded annually on a competitive basis in several categories: small city (population 2,999 or less), large city (population 3,000 or more), county and community enhancement. Additionally, planning grants are awarded to help local governments examine and address needs. The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs (ADECA) will administer the grants from funds made available by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. ADECA administers an array of programs supporting law enforcement and traffic safety, economic development, energy conservation, water resource management, and recreation development. “ADECA is pleased to join with Gov. Ivey in this grant program that annually helps Alabama towns, cities and counties obtain financial assistance for projects that benefit their communities,” ADECA Director Kenneth Boswell said. “We look forward to seeing the positive impacts that these projects have on the quality of life for residents of these communities.” Grants awarded and projects (grouped by geographical region) are: North Alabama Altoona (Etowah County) – $293,024 to replace a city water line that because of frequent breakages is responsible for most of the major disruptions in city water service. Altoona (Etowah County) – $25,000 for a planning grant to outline the city’s goals and future needs. Athens (Limestone County) – $500,000 for drainage and street improvements and dilapidated-building demolition in the neighborhood around Vine Street. Attalla (Etowah County)- $500,000 to replace or rehabilitate several sections of the town’s sewer lines. Blount County – $300,000 for street and drainage improvements along Philadelphia, Lehigh, and Reid Schoolhouse roads southwest of Locust Fork. Brilliant (Marion County) – $349,900 to upgrade sewer lines and pump stations to improve service. Crossville (DeKalb County) – $40,000 for a planning grant to update mapping of the town’s water system. Cullman (Cullman County)- $500,000 for street and drainage improvements in the Warnke Road neighborhoods. Cullman County – $400,000 to resurface and provide drainage improvements along Cullman County Road 18 near the Bremen community. Douglas (Marshall County)- $350,000 for improvements to the town’s water system and street and drainage improvements along Plunkett Drive, Moon Road and part of Otinger Drive. Falkville (Morgan County) -$350,000 for drainage improvements in an area bounded by East Pike Road, East Pine Street, Patton Street and Douglas Road. Gurley (Madison County) – $350,000 to replace or rehabilitate nearly 160 manhole components in the town’s sewer system. Hillsboro (Lawrence County) – $350,000 for drainage improvements along Oakdale Avenue and its spur roads. Jasper (Walker County) – $500,000 for water, sewer, and street improvements along multiple streets in the 19th Street neighborhood. Littleville (Colbert County) – $350,000 to replace or rehabilitate sewer lines and manholes along U.S. Highway 43. New Hope (Madison County) – $350,000 to repair and replace city sewer lines and some household lines along Spring, Ellett, and Whitt streets, West Avenue, and a part of College Avenue. Owens Cross Roads (Madison County) – $350,000 for sewer improvements in the neighborhood along Brockway Road. Parrish (Walker County) – $300,000 for street and drainage improvements involving Atkins-Edison Street and New Baltimore and Shady Grove roads. Powell (DeKalb County) – $148,000 to replace a dilapidated play area with new playground equipment. Russellville (Franklin County) – $300,000 to demolish 11 dilapidated structures and remove debris. Sylvania (DeKalb County) – $300,000 to repair and resurface Delta, Spear, and Horizon streets in the Sylvania Estates neighborhood. Walker County – $260,000 for handicap access improvements for the Walker County Courthouse in Jasper. North Central Alabama Fruithurst (Cleburne County) – $217,006 to resurface all or part of School Street, Third Street West, and Northeast Avenue. Fruithurst (Cleburne County) – $12,000 for a planning grant. Heflin (Cleburne County) – $500,000 to rehabilitate the town’s main sewer line which is responsible for transporting sewage to the city’s wastewater plant. Wedowee (Randolph County) – $350,000 to replace sewer lines to better control sewage inflow. South Central Alabama Alexander City (Tallapoosa County) – $500,000 to replace antiquated water lines to improve flow and pressure and add fire hydrants. Bullock County – $400,000 to resurface multiple streets in the Ponderosa community. Camden (Wilcox County) – $350,000 to upgrade sewer lines in the Westgate community. Choctaw County – $400,000 to rehabilitate and resurface 5.1 miles of Bailey Road southwest of Butler. Dadeville (Tallapoosa County) – $500,000 for dismantling and clearing 18 dilapidated buildings. Eclectic (Elmore County) – $300,000 to construct a new playground, adult fitness area, and amenities at the site of Panther Palace Playground. Epes (Sumter County) – $343,773 for sewer improvements along Clark Miller Lane and Martin Luther King Drive (U.S. Highway 11). Faunsdale (Marengo County) – $300,000 to rehabilitate sidewalks including handicap accessibility modifications and add lighting in the town’s commercial district. Goodwater (Coosa County)- $300,000 to raze and remove debris of four dilapidated commercial buildings. LaFayette (Chambers County) – $450,000 for upgrades at the town’s water treatment plant. Lowndes County – $400,000 to resurface seven county roads. Macon County -$396,040 to resurface at least parts of 19 county roads. Perry County – $400,000 to extend public water availability in the Medline community. Wilcox County – $400,000 to improve drainage along four streets in the Meadowbrook Subdivision area. South Alabama Andalusia (Covington County) – $500,000 to replace water lines along North Cotton Street and Eighth Avenue and resurface those streets. Chatom (Washington County) -$350,000 to upgrade its wastewater treatment facility to ensure reliable service for residents. Enterprise (Coffee County) – $272,900 to demolish and clear 45 dilapidated buildings throughout the city. Evergreen (Conecuh County) – $500,000 to improve the town’s sewer system, including replacing an outdated lift station and inadequate sewer line. Flomaton (Escambia County) – $350,000 to renovate and upgrade the town’s
Kay Ivey awards $1.6 million to law enforcement agencies
Gov. Kay Ivey has awarded $1.6 million to aid in the fight against illegal drugs and drug-related crime in Alabama. The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) and the state’s seven regional drug task forces will each receive $202,557. The funds will be used to continue the battle against drug sellers, manufacturers, and users and to stop the sale and illegal use of pharmaceutical drugs. “Public safety is at the forefront of our mission, and I am proud to aid our law enforcement in the battle against illegal drugs and crime,” stated Ivey. “As I said last night during my state of the state address, we will continue working to make Alabama a great state to live, work and raise a family for years to come. No doubt, that includes keeping our communities safe and free of crime. I commend the important work being done by ALEA and these task forces.” These task forces were formed in 2018 and are made up of members from law enforcement agencies within their region. Each region comprises eight to 12 counties. The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs is administering the grants from funds from the U.S. Department of Justice and will be used to cover overtime, and operational and equipment expenses. ADECA administers an array of programs supporting law enforcement and traffic safety, economic development, energy conservation, water resource management, and recreation development. “ADECA is pleased to play a role in this program that helps take drugs off the streets and make our communities safer,” ADECA Director Kenneth Boswell stated. “We join Gov. Ivey in commending the work of these task forces.”
Kay Ivey announces $300K in grants for law enforcement training and former inmate job opportunities
The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs (ADECA) announced that Gov. Kay Ivey has awarded grants totaling $300,000 for law enforcement agents. Two grants totaling $200,000 will help law enforcement agents improve their skills in reducing crime and capturing criminals while another grant for $100,000 will be used to provide jobs to former inmates to reduce their chances of returning to prison after their release. ADECA will administer the grants from funds made available by the U.S. Department of Justice. ADECA offers programs supporting law enforcement and traffic safety, economic development, energy conservation, water resource management, and recreation development. Ivey stated, “Education means more opportunities, and that is true with both the training of our law enforcement, as well as and with current inmates to make sure they can be productive citizens. I am pleased to award these grants for all three of these programs.” “ADECA is pleased to join with Gov. Ivey in these three programs to continue training law enforcement officers and to teach job skills to inmates who can become law-abiding, tax-paying citizens when released from prison,” ADECA Director Kenneth Boswell said. Auburn University Montgomery received a $100,000 grant to conduct a statewide crime prevention training program for local, county, and state law enforcement officers and related workers. Jacksonville State University, also the recipient of a $100,000 grant, will continue to train law enforcement officers, particularly on the local level, in the basics of forensic sciences and evidence gathering. J.F. Ingram State Technical College in Elmore County will use funds to continue a program that links Ingram graduates who are inmates at nearby prisons with employers throughout Alabama needing their skills upon release.
25 grants totaling $9.5 million awarded to help crime victims
Gov. Kay Ivey has awarded 25 grants totaling more than $9.5 million to help victims of crime across Alabama. These organizations offer services that support victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, child abuse, elder abuse, and other crimes. Services can include counseling, safe shelter, court advocacy, legal services, and more. Governor Ivey stated, “I am very thankful for these organizations across our state that provide help to residents of their communities in times of need. These organizations work to ensure that assistance is available for victims of crime 24 hours a day, seven days a week.” The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs (ADECA) will administer the grants from funds made available by the U.S. Department of Justice. ADECA administers a wide range of programs that support law enforcement, victim services, economic development, water resource management, energy conservation, broadband expansion, and recreation. “ADECA stands with Gov. Ivey in support of these organizations and the important work they do across Alabama,” ADECA Director Kenneth Boswell stated. “These funds will help each organization continue their services to the people of Alabama.” .@GovernorKayIvey awards more than $9.5 million to assist victims of crime in Alabama https://t.co/C9lFide3dJ — ADECA (@ADECA) December 16, 2021 The following grants were awarded: $89,000 to the Family Services Center Inc. which serves Colbert, Cullman, Franklin, Jackson, Lauderdale, Lawrence, Limestone, Madison, Marion, Marshall, Morgan and Winston counties. $49,500 to Legal Services Alabama Inc. This grant provides assistance for Madison County, but the organization serves statewide. $77,583 to Thrive Alabama (AIDS Action Coalition of Huntsville Inc.) which serves Colbert, Cullman, Franklin, Jackson, Lauderdale, Lawrence, Limestone, Madison, Marion, Marshall, Morgan and Winston counties. $523,000 to AshaKiran Inc. This grant provides assistance for Jackson, Limestone, Madison and Montgomery counties, but the organization offers some services statewide. $313,166 to Victim Services of Cullman, Inc. which serves Cullman County. $107,651 to 2nd Chance Inc. which serves Calhoun, Cleburne, Etowah and Talladega counties. $47,000 to Family Services Center of Calhoun County Inc. which serves Calhoun County. $178,640 to Family Resource Center of Northwest Alabama Inc. which serves Walker County. $47,250 to Humane Society of Shelby County Inc. which serves Blount, Clay, Coosa, Jefferson, St. Clair, Shelby and Walker counties. $719,840 to YWCA Central Alabama which serves Blount, Jefferson and St. Clair counties. $150,720 to Bessemer Cut Off Advocacy Center Inc. which serves Jefferson County. $335,000 to Hispanic Interest Coalition of Alabama which serves Blount, Chilton, Jefferson and Shelby counties. $231,440 to Turning Point (SAN Inc.) which serves Bibb, Fayette, Hale, Lamar, Pickens and Tuscaloosa counties. $207,680 to the Domestic Violence Intervention Center which serves Chambers, Lee, Macon, Randolph, Russell and Tallapoosa counties. $148,800 to Tri-County Children’s Advocacy Center which serves Chambers, Randolph and Tallapoosa counties. $80,080 to Hope Harbour (Columbus Alliance for Battered Women Inc.) which serves Russell County. $424,170 to One Place Family Justice Center which serves domestic violence victims in Autauga, Butler, Chilton, Crenshaw, Elmore, Lowndes and Montgomery counties. $266,000 to One Place Family Justice Center which serves sexual assault victims in Autauga, Butler, Crenshaw, Dallas, Elmore, Lowndes, Montgomery, Perry and Wilcox counties. $989,114 to the Family Sunshine Center (Montgomery Area Family Violence Program Inc.) which serves domestic violence victims in Autauga, Butler, Chilton, Crenshaw, Elmore, Lowndes and Montgomery counties. $266,343 to the Family Sunshine Center (Montgomery Area Family Violence Program Inc.) which serves sexual assault victims in Autauga, Butler, Chilton, Crenshaw, Elmore, Lowndes and Montgomery counties. $361,613 to the Family Sunshine Center (Montgomery Area Family Violence Program Inc.) for services they provide statewide. $280,424 to The Lighthouse (Baldwin Family Violence Shelter) which serves Baldwin, Conecuh, Escambia and Monroe counties. $90,000 to Mothers Against Drunk Driving which serves the families of victims injured or killed by drunken drivers statewide. $1.6 million to Alabama CASA Network Inc. which provides court-appointed advocates for abuse victims statewide. $1.9 million to the Alabama Department of Human Resources which serves victims of elder abuse statewide.
