VINA-Governor Robert Bentley has awarded $300,000 to alleviate a major health and safety risk that threatens to close the only park in the town of Vina.
Bentley awarded a Community Development Block Grant to help the town repair a drainage problem that is undermining the park and placing several structures and features at risk of imminent collapse.
“Community parks are vital community assets” Bentley said. “This CDBG grant will provide the necessary funding to help Vina address drainage issues and keep the park open for residents to enjoy.”
Erosion has caused part of a paved walking trail to collapse, threatens to destroy the concrete foundation of a pavilion and could eventually damage a tennis court and parking area, town officials say.
The town first detected problems about a year ago, but heavy rain last October accelerated the erosion. To prevent additional damage, the town must replace a collapsed 36-inch underground drainage pipe and make other repairs.
To supplement the grant, Vina will contribute an additional $100,000 for the project.
Bentley notified Mayor D.W. Franklin that the grant had been approved.
The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs is administering the grant from funds made available by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.
ADECA manages a wide range of programs that support law enforcement, economic development, workforce development, recreation, energy conservation and water resource management.
MEDIA RELEASE/ALABAMA DEPARTMENT OF ECONOMIC AND COMMUNITY AFFAIRS/JIM BYARD, JR.
