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.”
$2 million federal grants awarded to address environmental hazards in Black Belt homes
Alabama and 29 other states are set to receive a share of $104.7 million in Healthy Homes Production Grant Program funds awarded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH) and the University of Alabama were recently awarded $2 million from HUD Healthy Homes Production Grant to remove environmental and safety hazards from some of Alabama’s vulnerable and underserved communities. The University of Alabama SafeState Program and the Alabama Life Research Institute will help manage the $2 million grant award and remediation activities. According to a press release, the Healthy Homes and Healthy Communities in the Black Belt Region of Alabama program will target approximately 150 low-income homes in counties that make up a portion of the Black Belt region of the state. The program will identify and provide solutions for environmental hazards like indoor air quality, mold, and moisture, pests, carbon monoxide, lead-based paint, asbestos, and radon. Families who qualify will receive a no-cost assessment to evaluate potential hazards and coordinate the improvement of the home, prioritizing environmental and safety hazards. The ADPH and the University of Alabama are establishing the application process for qualifying families. “This program not only allows us to identify health and safety issues in these underserved communities, but it also gives us the resources to solve some of the problems. Qualifying participants can receive up to $10,000 for repairs designed to reduce or eliminate identified hazards,” stated Michael Rasbury, Director of the UA SafeState Environmental Programs. Public events will be scheduled and take place throughout the affected counties to reach qualifying families and bring awareness to the program. A kickoff event is being planned for March 23 at the University of Alabama. Goals and objectives for all applicants receiving a Healthy Homes Production Award will be to: Maximize both the number of vulnerable residents protected from housing-related environmental health and safety hazards and the number of housing units where these hazards are controlled. Identify and remediate housing-related health and safety hazards in privately owned, low-income rental and/or owner-occupied housing, especially in units and/or buildings where families with children, older adults 62 years and older, or families with persons with disabilities reside. Promote cost-effective and efficient healthy home methods and approaches that can be replicated and sustained. Build and enhance partner resources to develop the most cost-effective methods for identifying and controlling key housing-related environmental health and safety hazards. Promote collaboration, data sharing and targeting between health and housing departments. Ensure to the greatest extent feasible that job training, employment, contracting, and other economic opportunities generated by this grant will be directed to low- and very-low-income persons, particularly those who are recipients of government assistance for housing, and to businesses that provide economic opportunities to low- and very low-income persons in the area in which the project is located. For more information, visit alabamasafestate.ua.edu/healthyhomes/
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
Poarch Creek tribe to get $900,000 from federal HUD grant
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Deputy Secretary Adrianne Todman will hold a virtual press call on Wednesday, November 10th, to announce the allocations of $73.9 million in the first round of Indian Community Block Grant-American Rescue Plan (ICDBG-ARP) funding to 68 tribal communities. In March, President Joe Biden signed the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, which provided $750 million dollars in HUD resources to Indian Country to support the continued fight against COVID-19. It also includes $450 million for the Indian Housing Block Grant program, $280 million for the Indian Community Development Block Grant program, $5 million for the Native Hawaiian Housing Block Grant program, and $10 million for related technical assistance resources. The Poarch Band of Creek Indians has requested $900,000 to construct a 9,000 square foot emergency managementwarehouse. The building will include a drive-through for COVID vaccinations and office space for emergency service personnel and other medical services.
Kay Ivey awards $2.6 million in CARES Act funds to six counties
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.
Community Development Block Grants awarded to help improve 54 communities statewide
54 Alabama towns, cities and counties were awarded a total of nearly $17.8 million in Community Development Block Grants (CDBG) on Friday by Governor Kay Ivey. The 54 grants will support a number of community improvement projects including water and sewer extensions and rehabilitation, street and drainage improvements, housing rehabilitation and community centers. “The beginning of a better Alabama starts today for many residents who are without clean water to drink or safe roads to drive or suitable housing in which to live,” Ivey said. “I am pleased to award these grants to support vital community improvement projects, and I commend the dedicated local officials who sought these grants with the intent to make their communities better places to live.” CDBG are awarded annually through a competitive process in four main categories including small city, large city, counties and community enhancements. Other categories in this round include Black Belt and planning grants. Award determinations are based on the number of low and moderate-income families affected, urgency of the need and project cost efficiency. 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 (HUD). “As a former mayor whose city has been a recipient of CDBG awards, I can attest to how important this program is to our towns, cities and counties and the difference these grants can make in a community,” explained ADECA Director Kenneth Boswell. “ADECA is pleased to join Governor Ivey in the partnerships that it takes to make these grants come to fruition.” Those awarded grants, grant amounts and projects are: Small City Fund (Municipalities with populations of 3,000 or less) Beatrice – $350,000 for street improvements. Camden – $350,000 for water and sewer improvements. Carrollton – $350,000 for sewer improvements. Cherokee – $314,000 for street and drainage improvements. Detroit – $350,000 for water improvements. Falkville – $350,000 for sewer improvements. Luverne – $350,000 for water and street improvements. Millry – $350,000 for water improvements. New Hope – $350,000 for sewer and street improvements. Oak Grove – $200,000 for sewer improvements. Parrish – $350,000 for street and drainage improvements. Pisgah – $314,900 for water improvements. Rutledge – $350,000 for street improvements. Samson – $350,000 for sewer, water and street improvements. Sumiton – $350,000 for sewer improvements. Toxey – $350,000 for street improvements. Woodville – $350,000 for street and drainage improvements. Vredenburgh – $350,000 for street improvements. Large City Fund (Municipalities with populations of 3,001 or more) Andalusia – $280,000 for street improvements. Demopolis – $450,000 for sewer improvements. Elba – $450,000 for downtown revitalization. Eufaula – $450,000 for housing rehabilitation. Haleyville – $450,000 for sewer, water, drainage and street improvements. Hamilton – $450,000 for sewer, water, street and drainage improvements. Jacksonville – $429,713 for sewer improvements LaFayette – $450,000 for water improvements. Piedmont – $450,000 for sewer improvements. Roanoke – $359,487 for street improvements. Talladega – $450,000 for sewer improvements. Tuskegee – $450,000 for water and street improvements, and demolition and revitalization. County Fund (applies to 65 Alabama counties with Mobile and Jefferson counties receiving CDBG funds directly from HUD) Baldwin County – $350,000 for water improvements near the Lillian community. Hale County – $350,000 for water improvements in the Akron area. Madison County – $300,000 for water improvements east of Huntsville. Marshall County – $350,000 for street improvements on several county roads. Monroe County – $350,000 for water improvements west of Frisco City. Montgomery County – $350,000 for housing rehabilitation in Eastwood Villa. Sumter County – $350,000 for water improvements north of Cuba. Washington County – $350,000 for water improvement in the Fruitdale area. Community Enhancement Fund (municipalities of all sizes and 65 Alabama counties for projects addressing quality of life issues.) Akron – $250,000 for sewer improvements. Autaugaville – $250,000 for a new senior center. Barbour County – $250,000 for a new fire station in the Texasville community. Billingsley – $250,000 for town park improvements. Blountsville – $250,000 for sewer and street improvements. Blue Springs – $185,000 for water improvements. Butler County – $250,000 for courthouse renovations/handicapped accessibility. Cottonwood – $250,000 for street improvements. Dozier – $247,510 for demolition and clearance. Enterprise – $250,000 for demolition and clearance. Lauderdale County – $202,569 for a new senior center in the Greenhill community. Lisman – $182,771 for street improvements. Midway – $250,000 to convert a school into a community center. River Falls – $250,000 for street improvements. Black Belt Fund (municipalities and counties within a 12-county Black Belt region.) Selma – $450,000 for drainage improvements. Planning Fund (awarded to guide municipalities in orderly growth, revitalization or development.) Piedmont – $40,000 Skyline – $35,000
Robert Bentley awards $1.2 million in grants for south-central Alabama
Governor Robert Bentley Tuesday announced he’s awarding $1.2 million in Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding for four projects in south-central Alabama to help improve living conditions. Both the Autauga County Commission and the town of Eclectic will receive $350,000 each, and the cities of Dadeville and Goodwater $250,000 each. “These grants will help address some urgent needs in areas where local revenues are stretched thin,” Bentley said in a release. “I am pleased to assist local officials throughout the region who are striving to improve the quality of life in their communities.” The grant recipients and their projects are as follows: Autauga County Commission (Autauga County): The Billingsley Water System will use funds to make multiple improvements at its two well sites including adding filters, chlorine monitor and leak detectors and replacing electrical components. The project will improve water quality for the 450 households served by the system and eliminate unsafe electrical components. The county commission has pledged an additional $35,000 in local funding for the project. The city of Goodwater (Coosa County): Will raze and remove debris from eight dilapidated buildings that are a downtown eyesore and a hazard to safety and health. The buildings, which housed mercantile businesses, all front Main Street (Alabama Highway 9). City officials believe the demolition is a first step in revitalizing the downtown and improving the city’s economic situation. The city is seeking guidance from Auburn University’s Community Planning program on ways to enhance downtown. The town is contributing $25,000 for the project. The town of Eclectic (Elmore County): Will upgrade its wastewater treatment plant by installing a multi-filtration and screening system that will more adequately treat sewage and ensure the system is in compliance with standards required by the Alabama Department of Environmental Management. Repairs at the plant in 2014 exceeded $16,000 and experts indicate those repair costs will continue without major modifications and upgrades. The upgrade will enable the town to serve new customers and businesses. Residents not served by the town system also will benefit because the town can resume accepting waste from septic-tank haulers who may have had to charge more for their services because of the additional mileage and costs involved in disposing of waste. Local funding of $375,000 has been pledged for the project. The city of Dadeville (Tallapoosa County): Will demolish and clear unsafe structures throughout the city. City officials say the structures pose threats to safety and security of neighborhoods and also reduce property values. Nearly 49 abandoned residences and four commercial structures have been deemed inhabitable and targeted for demolition. City officials say nuisance properties are the top complaints voiced by residents, but the city has been unable without outside financial assistance to do anything about the problem. The city has pledged $25,321 in local funding for the project. The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs is administering the awards from funds made available to the state by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.
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: 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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.
