State grant monies to repair drainage issues on East Pike Road

The Town of Falkville will receive a $350,000 Community Development Block Grant from the State of Alabama for drainage improvements in an area bounded by East Pike Road, East Pine Street, Patton Street and Douglas Road. 

The Town of Falkville is one of 22 local governments in North Alabama to receive the funds that will “provide public water service to households, repair damaged streets and roads, improve sewer systems, drainage and more,” according the Gov. Kay Ivey’s office. 

More than $18 million in grant monies were awarded at a ceremony this past week in the State Capitol. 

“We’ve had drainage issues on that side of town – on Highway 55 near East Pike Road for years,” Falkville mayor Ken Winkles said. “We will be able to clear up the issues with this money. This grant along with the ARC grant of $98,000 will help us complete the whole project.”  

“Community Development Block Grants are a means in which local governments can address some of their more pressing needs,” said Gov. 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 is administering the grants from funds made available by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban 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.”