Governor Kay Ivey on Tuesday announced a $300,000 grant to help the city of Geneva repair streets, sidewalks and public infrastructure damaged when a tornado tore through downtown earlier this year.
The funding comes through an urgent-need Community Development Block Grant and will be used to address damage caused by the EF2 tornado that struck Geneva on Jan. 25, 2026. According to the National Weather Service, the storm produced winds reaching 115 mph.
City officials said the storm damage created safety hazards that slowed emergency response efforts, complicated recovery work and posed risks to pedestrians traveling through downtown areas.
“This tornado that swept through southeast Alabama caused extensive damage in downtown Geneva, creating a potentially dangerous situation for residents,” Gov. Ivey said. “I commend city leaders for their quick action in securing these funds and taking another step toward a full recovery.”
The city plans to repair East Westville Avenue, Greenwood Street, portions of the sidewalk along South Commerce Street and a public parking lot on East Town Avenue.
According to the governor’s office, the tornado destroyed a former hotel on South Commerce Street, and falling bricks from the structure severely damaged nearby sidewalks. Debris from the storm and the heavy equipment used during cleanup efforts also damaged several streets. On Greenwood Street, an uprooted tree peeled back asphalt, while high winds stripped away the top layer of pavement in multiple locations.
The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs will administer the grant using funds provided through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.
“When a community faces an emergency scenario like this, we are often able to work with them to deliver urgent-need CDBG funds to assist,” ADECA Director Kenneth Boswell said. “ADECA is pleased to join Gov. Ivey in offering support to the city during a difficult time.”
Governor Ivey informed Geneva Mayor David Hayes that the grant had been approved.
