Gov. Kay Ivey on Thursday announced that she had awarded $18.2 million in community development grants to more than 50 towns, cities and counties across the state.
According to the governor’s office, the Community Development Block Grants (CDBG) provided to local governments will be utilized for providing public water service to households, repairing damaged streets and roads, improving sewer systems, and more.
Ivey applauded the efforts of local officials who sought her administration’s assistance in gaining access to the grant awards for local improvements.
“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 full list of CDBG grant awards can be seen here.
Ivey’s office advised that the CDBG program is awarded annually by the state on a competitive basis. The categories for which the awards are determined rely upon city population along with county and community enhancement needs. In addition, planning grants are issued to help local governments assess outstanding needs.
Administered by the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs (ADECA), the grants were made available by funding from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.
ADECA director Kenneth Boswell hailed the grants as being beneficial to local community development efforts.
“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,” stated Boswell. “We look forward to seeing the positive impacts that these projects have on the quality of life for residents of these communities.”
Dylan Smith is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @DylanSmithAL
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