Federal grants to aid energy efficiency in Alabama
Nearly $370,000 in federal money is going to help improve energy efficiency at nearly 20 locations around Alabama. The grants announced Friday by Gov. Kay Ivey’s office are from the Energy Department. The aim is cut expenses for local governments, public schools and nonprofits. Schools in Cherokee and Colbert counties and the city of Huntsville are getting money for lighting upgrades, and Cleburne County will receive grant money for its courthouse and jail. The south Alabama town of Luverne will use grant money for lighting along streets and improvements at a wastewater treatment plant. Two churches in Mobile and Perry County will receive grants for lighting improvements. In all, $367,050 was awarded in 18 grants. Republished with the permission of the Associated Press.
Kay Ivey awards grants to strengthen fight against illegal drugs
Gov. Kay Ivey has strengthened the state’s arsenal in the fight against opioids and other illegal or abused drugs by issuing $386,207 in grants to the Alabama Department of Forensic Sciences. Ivey awarded grants of $260,207 and $126,000 that will enable the department to purchase two state-of-the-art substance analyzers capable of rapidly analyzing and identifying prescription and illegal drugs, including opioids. The analyzers are also expected to help reduce a backlog of drug cases. “Evidence provided by the Alabama Department of Forensic Sciences is often the difference between whether a suspect is convicted or set free,” Ivey said. “These new tools will greatly enhance the ability of technicians to accurately examine drug evidence and provide that information to law enforcement agencies and prosecutors.” The analyzers can identify solid and liquid substances to determine the presence and type of drug. Average screening time for each sample is expected to take about two minutes, according to the department. The Department of Forensic Sciences performs evidence collection and identification for more than 450 law enforcement agencies in Alabama. The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs (ADECA) is administering the grants from funds made available to the state from the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ). “Gov. Ivey recognizes the tireless work that the Department of Forensic Sciences performs daily to assist our law enforcement agencies and prosecutorial services in doing their jobs effectively and efficiently,” ADECA Director Kenneth Boswell said. “ADECA is pleased to join Gov. Ivey in this partnership to provide this new equipment.”
Kay Ivey awards $3.1M in grants to help low-income Alabamians secure jobs, improve lives
Governor Kay Ivey on Thursday announced the award of grants totaling $3.1 million for programs that help low-income residents take steps to secure gainful employment and improve their quality of life. The Community Services Block Grants (CSBG) will enable 20 community action agencies across the Yellowhammer State to help low-income Alabamians achieve self-sufficiency and address barriers to success through a variety of programs and services. “Community Action Agencies offer services that support low-income families as they work to create a more stable foundation for a successful life,” Ivey said. “I commend these agencies for their work toward reducing poverty and helping families in need.” Ivey awarded grants to the following 20 agencies: Community Action Partnership of Huntsville/Madison and Limestone Counties Inc. (Madison and Limestone) – $189,303. Community Service Programs of West Alabama Inc. (Bibb, Choctaw, Dallas, Fayette, Greene, Hale, Lamar, Perry, Tuscaloosa, Sumter) – $297,099. Walker County Community Action Agency Inc. (Walker) – $49,098. Pickens County Community Action Committee and Community Development Corporation Inc. (Pickens) – $21,041. Organized Community Action Program Inc. (Bullock, Butler, Covington, Crenshaw, Dale, Lowndes, Pike) – $144,570. Community Action Agency of Northwest Alabama Inc. (Colbert, Franklin, Lauderdale) – $119,822. Community Action Agency of Northeast Alabama Inc. (Blount, Cherokee, DeKalb, Jackson, Marshall, St. Clair) – $242,780. Community Action Partnership of North Alabama Inc. (Cullman, Lawrence, Morgan) – $139,089. Montgomery Community Action Committee Inc. (Montgomery) – $163,530. Mobile Community Action Inc. (Mobile, Washington) – $318,001. Marion-Winston Counties Community Action Committee Inc. (Marion, Winston) – $40,626. Macon-Russell Community Action Agency Inc. (Macon, Russell) – $67,261. Jefferson County Committee for Economic Opportunity (Jefferson) – $393,941. Southeast Alabama Community Action Partnership Inc. (Barbour, Coffee, Geneva, Henry, Houston) – $148,476. Community Action of Etowah County Inc. (Etowah) – $68,073. Community Action Partnership of Middle Alabama Inc. (Chilton, Shelby, Autauga, Elmore) – $142,374. Community Action Committee Inc. of Chambers-Tallapoosa-Coosa (Chambers, Tallapoosa, Coosa) – $62,991. Community Action Agency of South Alabama (Baldwin, Clarke, Conecuh, Escambia, Marengo, Monroe, Wilcox) – $222,661. Alabama Council on Human Relations Inc. (Lee) – $98,797. Community Action Agency of Talladega, Clay, Randolph, Calhoun, and Cleburne Counties (Calhoun, Clay, Cleburne, Randolph, Talladega) – $183,020. The specific needs of the communities served determine which programs are available, which can include job search assistance and short-term employment skills classes, parenting classes, transitional housing, summer youth programs, financial literacy programs as well as emergency food and shelter. The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs (ADECA) is administering the grants from funds made available by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. “Governor Ivey and I are committed to helping those agencies that offer support some of our state’s most vulnerable residents,” said ADECA Director Kenneth Boswell. “ADECA’s partnership with these agencies has helped many residents and families achieve a better quality of life and created more opportunities for success.” Residents seeking assistance should contact their local community action agency. Full contact information for each agency can be found at www.caaalabama.org/agency-list.php.
Alabama receives $3.98M Homeland Security grants for state, local first responders
Governor Kay Ivey on Thursday announced $3.98 million in funding from the Homeland Security Grant Program for state and local first responders to sustain and enhance protection, prevention and response capabilities to prevent terrorism and other catastrophic events. “On both the state and local levels, safety and preparedness remain of high importance year-round. I am grateful to the Department of Homeland Security for providing nearly $4 million in funds to ensure Alabamians are protected and that we are ready to respond in any situation,” Ivey said. “Alabama’s law enforcement and first responders work diligently around-the-clock to protect our state, and these funds will go a long way in helping them do that.” More than $1.8 million was awarded in Alabama to local first responders in a statewide competitive grant process in three categories: interoperable communications, physical protective measures and public warning systems. Additionally, over $900,000 was awarded to the state and local first responders in the Alabama Mutual Aid System (AMAS). AMAS consists of fire services, communication and law enforcement teams specifically trained in search and rescue operations, hazardous materials response, swift-water rescue operations and explosive ordnance disposal response. The remaining funds will be retained for state-level projects. “Governor Ivey continues to show her dedication to first responders in Alabama by working to secure these Homeland Security grants,” added Alabama Law Enforcement Agency Secretary Hal Taylor. “ALEA is pleased that this federal-state partnership will provide these resources to use in all hazard situations.”
Alabama Community College System receives $1.75M federal ARC grant
The Alabama Community College System has been awarded an Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) grant in the amount of $1,750,000, U.S. Senator Richard Shelby announced Thursday. This grant funding is a part of the Alabama Skills Training to Support Real Opportunities for New Growth (STRONG) project, which will target the coal-impacted communities in 10 counties in the state of Alabama. “Promoting workforce development is vital to the overall growth and development of our state,” said Shelby. “This ARC grant will provide opportunity for students interested in entering Alabama’s advanced manufacturing industry while also allowing businesses throughout our state to have increased access to a highly skilled workforce. I look forward to continuing to work with ARC and the Alabama Community College System to promote education and economic advancements.” The STRONG project seeks to increase awareness about the current and future job opportunities available in the advanced manufacturing sector, a growing part of the regional economy. It will provide students and workers with life skills, remedial education, and cutting-edge technical skills and training to prepare them for either additional postsecondary education or direct placement into high-wage and high-demand careers available in our state’s advanced manufacturing industry. Individual courses will be offered through Bevill State, Jefferson State, Lawson State, and Shelton State Community Colleges. The project will provide residents with the benefit of working in advanced manufacturing, and it will serve close to 4,200 participants and their families directly with critical life and technical skills gap training, new job opportunities, and access to vital social and financial services. The grant ensures at least 2,101 workers and trainees along with 976 students will obtain new or enhanced positions, 1,132 jobs will be retained, seven new jobs will be created and six new programs will be implemented. Overall, there will be 77 participating businesses involved in this project.
Kay Ivey awards grant to help bring jobs to town of Steele
Gov. Kay Ivey on Thursday awarded a $118,000 grant to the town of Steele for infrastructure upgrades that will help bring new jobs to the area. The Community Development Block Grant (CBDG) will be used to restore a water tower used by Unipres Alabama Inc., a global supplier of steel automotive parts. The company is expanding, constructing a 150,000-square-foot building to accommodate a new assembly line which is expected to create 50 jobs. “My administration is very focused on economic opportunities for Alabamians, so job growth and company expansions like the Unipres Alabama plant in Steele are great news for our state,” Ivey said. “I am pleased to support Steele in preparing the way for this expansion and the new job opportunities it will provide.” The company is investing in a new heat stamping process that requires water for cooling the steel used in automotive bodies. The water tank’s interior and exterior will be restored, alleviating any corrosion or deterioration that might otherwise lead to water leaks or particles getting into the cooling process. The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs (ADECA) is administering the grant from funds made available by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. “Gov. Ivey has consistently shown her support for economic growth and a desire to bring even more jobs to Alabama,” ADECA Director Kenneth Boswell said. “ADECA is pleased to play a role in this project which will bring benefits to Steele and the surrounding area.” The Steele Water Board is providing $35,000 to supplement the award.
Historical sites to receive $750,000 in grants in Alabama
The Alabama Historical Commission (AHC) is administering a $750,000 state-funded grant program for improvements as well as educational programming at historic sites across the Yellowhammer State. According to the AHC, grants will be awarded to public or private entities who own and operate historic sites in Alabama. They will also be awarded to entities that reflect an education-based mission, concentrate on educational programming, and reflect the geographical diversity of the state. Preference will be given to publicly-owned battlefields or structures constructed prior to 1840 that are listed in the National Register of Historic Places – NPS, and historic school structures Grant amounts will not exceed $20,000 for any one entity. Deadline to submit an application is August 15.
Kay Ivey awards grants to assist low-income, elderly Alabamians with bills
Gov. Kay Ivey on Tuesday awarded nearly $965K in grants to assist low-income and elderly Alabama residents with weatherizing their homes to lower energy costs. The grants, totaling $964,862, support Alabama’s Weatherization Assistance Program, which provides funds to improve the energy efficiency and safety of qualifying homes. Priority is given to those with disabilities, the elderly and low-income households with children. “Many elderly and disabled residents are living on very limited incomes and often struggle to pay higher utility bills,” Ivey said. “These grants will help permanently lower the energy bills for many residents by making upgrades to keep their houses cool during these hot summer months.” Weatherization includes installing extra insulation in attics, walls and floors; sealing air leaks around doors and windows; repairs or tune-ups for air conditioning and heating units; and replacing incandescent light bulbs with high-efficiency bulbs. The improvements, in addition to lowering energy bills, can reduce the risk of fire and other hazards. Ivey awarded the grants to 14 community agencies across the state that manage the program at the local level and receive applications from individuals who wish to be considered for assistance. Below is a list of each grant, the recipient agency, counties served and the agency telephone number: $88,671 to Central Alabama Regional Planning and Development Commission (Autauga, Chilton, Dallas, Elmore, Lee, Macon, Perry, Russell and Shelby) 334-262-4300 $33,145 to Community Action Committee Inc. of Chambers-Tallapoosa-Coosa (Chambers, Coosa and Tallapoosa) 256-825-4287 $24,570 to Alabama Council on Human Relations Inc. (Lee) 334-821-8336 $62,990 to Community Action Partnership of Huntsville-Madison and Limestone Counties, Inc. (Madison and Limestone) 256-851-9800 $96,602 to Jefferson County Committee for Economic Opportunity (Jefferson) 205-327-7500 $93,956 to Mobile Community Action Inc. (Choctaw, Mobile and Washington) 251-457-5700 $61,247 to Montgomery County Commission (Montgomery) 334-832-1210 $78,713 to Community Action Partnership of North Alabama Inc. (Cullman, Lawrence, Marion, Morgan, Walker and Winston) 256-355-7843 $75,782 to Community Action Agency of Northeast Alabama Inc. (Blount, Cherokee, DeKalb, Etowah, Jackson, Marshall and St. Clair) 256-638-4430 $33,966 to Community Action Agency of Northwest Alabama Inc. (Colbert, Franklin and Lauderdale) 256-766-4330 $112,151 to Organized Community Action Program Inc. (Barbour, Bullock, Butler, Coffee, Covington, Crenshaw, Dale, Geneva, Henry, Houston, Lowndes and Pike) 334-566-1712 $70,760 to Community Action Agency of South Alabama (Baldwin, Clarke, Conecuh, Escambia, Marengo, Monroe and Wilcox) 251-626-2646 $55,430 to Community Action Agency of Talladega, Clay, Randolph, Calhoun and Cleburne(Calhoun, Clay, Cleburne, Randolph and Talladega) 256-362-6611 $76,879 to Community Service Programs of West Alabama Inc. (Bibb, Fayette, Greene, Hale, Lamar, Pickens, Sumter and Tuscaloosa) 205-752-5429
The Women’s Fund invests $215,000 into Greater Birmingham women and children
Nine local nonprofits and programs that focus on women’s economic security and ending the cycle of intergenerational poverty were awarded a record amount of grant money. The Women’s Fund of Greater Birmingham awarded its 2017 grants, totaling $215,000, at a ceremony to honor the grant recipients at Regions on Thursday. This is the largest amount invested in a single grant cycle since The Women’s Fund’s founding in 1996. “Thanks to generous community support, more women and their children will have the tools they need to build better lives,” said Jeanne Jackson, President and CEO. “The 2017 grants fund programs that provide women with supports essential for their long-term success, including job skills training, affordable housing, child care, career coaches. Birmingham invested in these women, and in turn, we will all move forward together.” The following agencies and programs received grants: Childcare Resources, Supplemental Child Care Program (SCCP) ($25,000) – Provides child care subsidies for low-income working mothers. Children’s Aid Society, Project Independence ($25,000) – Provides housing, economic, and educational supports for homeless, pregnant, or parenting teens. First Light, Forever Home ($25,000) – Provides independent housing and wraparound supports for homeless mothers and children. Jefferson State Community College, Women in Manufacturing Initiative ($25,000) – Provides scholarships and supports for single mothers to enter manufacturing associate’s degree program. Jimmie Hale Mission, Jessie’s Place ($20,000) – Provides educational, financial, and economic support, including child care assistance, for homeless mothers. Norwood Resource Center, Family Forward ($25,000) – Provides financial coaching, housing advocacy, and tax preparation assistance for 30 mothers whose children participate in center programming. Oasis Counseling, Mentally Healthy Moms ($25,000) – Provides mental health counseling for women to address employment issues. The Salvation Army, My Home ($25,000) – Provides permanent housing and case management for single mothers St. Vincent’s Foundation, Jeremiah’s Hope Academy ($20,000) – Provides child care assistance for low-income, single mothers receiving training at Jeremiah’s Hope in health-related fields. The Women’s Fund also invested $338,450 in collaborative two-generation programs in Greater Birmingham via their Collaboration Institute and other initiatives in 2016.
Robert Bentley fast-tracks $37.2M to assist low-income families with energy costs
Governor Robert Bentley on Friday announced he will fast-track $37.2 million in grants to help low-income families cover home energy bills. The Governor has moved the grants forward for immediate distribution due to the recent storms across the state. The grants will enable 22 community action agencies throughout the Yellowhammer State to provide temporary emergency assistance with electric and gas bills and priority assistance will be given to the elderly, people with disabilities and families with young children. “High home heating bills during the winter can be very challenging for low-income families or elderly residents living on very limited budgets,” Bentley said. “These grants will continue to provide needed assistance to residents with the greatest need.” The community action agencies, counties served and grant amounts are listed below: Community Action Partnership of Huntsville/Madison and Limestone Counties Inc. (Madison and Limestone) – $2,313,683 Community Service Programs of West Alabama Inc. (Bibb, Choctaw, Fayette, Greene, Lamar, Tuscaloosa and Sumter) – $3,331,190 Walker County Community Action Agency Inc. (Walker) – $629,320 Pickens County Community Action Committee and Community Development Corp. Inc. (Pickens) – $287,068 Organized Community Action Program Inc. (Bullock, Butler, Covington, Crenshaw, Dale, Lowndes and Pike) – $2,331,889 Community Action Agency of Northwest Alabama Inc. (Colbert, Franklin and Lauderdale) – $1,100,014 Community Action Agency of Northeast Alabama Inc. (Blount, Cherokee, DeKalb, Jackson, Marshall and St. Clair) – $3,048,685 Community Action Partnership of North Alabama Inc. (Cullman, Lawrence and Morgan) – $1,799,536 Montgomery Community Action Agency (Montgomery) – $2,019,137 Mobile Community Action Inc. (Mobile and Washington) – $3,836,929 Marion-Winston Counties Community Action Committee Inc. (Marion and Winston) – $588,062 Macon-Russell Community Action Agency Inc. (Macon and Russell) – $858,631 Jefferson County Committee for Economic Opportunity (Jefferson) – $3,337,594 Southeast Alabama Community Action Partnership, Inc. (Barbour, Coffee, Geneva, Henry and Houston) – $1,900,283 Hale Empowerment and Revitalization Organization Inc. (Hale) – $361,343 Community Action of Etowah County Inc. (Etowah) – $864,701 Community Action Agency of Central Alabama (Autauga, Dallas, Elmore and Perry) – $1,713,112 Eleventh Area of Alabama Opportunity Action Committee Inc. (Chilton and Shelby) – $950,616 Community Action Committee Inc. of Chambers-Tallapoosa-Coosa (Chambers, Coosa and Tallapoosa) – $862,929 Community Action Agency of South Alabama (Baldwin, Clarke, Conecuh, Escambia, Marengo, Monroe and Wilcox) – $2,416,195 Alabama Council on Human Relations Inc. (Lee) – $1,137,444 Community Action Agency of Talladega, Clay, Randolph, Calhoun, and Cleburne Counties (Calhoun, Clay, Cleburne, Randolph and Talladega) – $1,499,982 Interested families should apply through their local action agency, who will have more information on who is eligible for this assistance. Eligibility is based on income, family size and available resources. If applications are approved, payments are made directly to the utility companies on behalf of residents.
