MONTGOMERY – Gov. Robert Bentley has awarded Community Development Block Grants to make improvements in four communities in DeKalb, Jackson and Marshall counties.
The city of Albertville is receiving $450,000 for a sewer rehabilitation project. A $375,287 grant to the city of Guntersville will fund storm-drainage improvements. Jackson County will use a $350,000 grant to provide water service to a rural area. The town of Powell is receiving $250,000 to make water system improvements.
“The projects funded by these grants will improve overall safety and quality of life in these communities,” Bentley said. 
“Community Development Block Grants help support cities and towns throughout the state. These grants connect local governments with valuable resources to support needed public improvements. I am pleased to help local officials and support these projects.”
Albertville will replace more than 6,000 feet of sewer lines, 35 manholes and 50 service connections in the Mathis Mill Road area near George Wallace Industrial Drive. City officials say the current PVC piping installed in the 1970s is too thin and suffers from many leaks, splits and separated joints. The city is providing $221,000 in matching funds for the project.
In Guntersville, storm drainage problems in the Mill Village and Mountain Crest neighborhoods will be addressed by closing two open ditches and installing a closed pipe system. Residents have expressed safety concerns as children play near ditches that may contain high water, debris or snakes. After heavy rains, water backs up to homes and mosquito infestations occur. Local funds of $75,000 will supplement the grant.
A rural Jackson County area, located between Hollywood and the Fackler area in the northern part of the county, will soon have access to better quality water and fire protection. More than 32,000 feet of PVC line and 10 fire hydrants will be installed, linking residents to public water service and alleviating health risks from contaminated wells. The county is providing $153,000 for the project.
Powell will make water system improvements on Brown Street and Pendergrass Road. The grant, along with $47,500 in local matching funds, will pay for the replacement of approximately 13,000 feet of water lines and eight fire hydrants. The current 2-inch water lines create water pressure and flow problems and are too small for use with fire hydrants.
The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs is administering the grants from funds made available to the state by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. ADECA administers a wide range of programs that support law enforcement, workforce development, energy conservation, economic development, water resource management and recreation.
