Stimulus money will help pay for downtown redo

By By Leada Gore, Hartselle Enquirer
The renovation of downtown Hartselle is getting a big boost from state allocations from the federal stimulusplan.
Sen. Arthur Orr, R-Decatur, announced last week he’s worked to secure more than $2.5 million in enhancement grants from the Alabama Department of Transportation for various community improvement projects in Morgan County.
Included on this list is money for the third phase of the renovation of downtown Hartselle.
“Demand for this grant funding is highly competitive among cities and counties throughout Alabama, especially in today’s economic climate,” Orr said. “I appreciate that Gov. Riley and the Department of Transportation heard our case and understood the importance of these projects in our area. This funding should go far toward improving the quality of life that Morgan County offers.”
Hartselle will receive $707,940 to complete the sidewalk, lighting work and planters downtown as well as replacing the canopies on the north side of Main Street between Hickory and Corsbie streets. It will also include work on Hickory Street near E.A.R.T.H. Park and lighting in the area.
The ALDOT money is part of the federal stimulus plan and will not require any matching money from the city.
The city completed the first phase of the renovations earlier this year and the second phase is in the bidding stage. Both the previous phases were funded primarily through grant funds that required matching funds from the city.
Hartselle isn’t the only city benefiting from the improvement grants.
Falkville will receive $216,506 for constructing sidewalks along East Pike Road. Decatur will receive some $1.6 million for renovations of the Railroad Street Depot and street scaping of Second Ave. in downtown.