MONTGOMERY— Gov. Robert Bentley has awarded Community Development Block Grants to improve public services for residents in Walker and Lamar counties.
Bentley awarded $350,000 each to the city of Sumiton in Walker County and the town of Detroit in Lamar County. Sumiton will use the funds to expand sewer services while Detroit will improve its water service by replacing old water lines.
“Community Development Block Grants assist in projects that improve quality of life,” Bentley said. “I am pleased to support these worthwhile projects in Sumiton and Detroit, and I commend local leaders for their hard work and determination to improve the lives of residents in their areas.”
Sumiton will extend sewer service to 24 households currently served by malfunctioning septic systems and connect a six-unit apartment complex where residents are experiencing sewage backups.
Approximately 5,300 feet of PVC sewer line and 19 manholes will be installed along Old Birmingham and Old Dora roads, Main Street and avenues C and A. The city is contributing $55,000 in matching funds.
Detroit will replace 7,654 feet of deteriorated water mains with PVC lines on Track and Ray Avenues and a portion of Alabama Highway 17, an area that includes 57 households and 138 residents. New fire hydrants will be installed at strategic points to improve fire protection. The town is contributing $6,000 in matching funds for the project.
The Alabama Department of Community Affairs is administering the grants from funds made available by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. ADECA administers an array of programs that support law enforcement and traffic safety, economic development, energy conservation, water resource management and recreation development.
For an overview of the CDBG program in Alabama, see this video: https://youtu.be/GL51Tk73my0.
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Contact: Russell Sellers, Mike Presley