June 2021 Group Watch: Ivey Awards Community Development Grants
Governor Ivey awarded $500,000 each to the city of Opelika and Russell County and $300,000 each to Marengo, Monroe and Pickens counties. The awards are part of more than $40 million allocated to Alabama under a special Community Development Block Grant program funded from the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act (CARES). The grant funds are required to be expended on projects relating to the recovery from or preventing the spread of the COVID-19 virus or any future infectious diseases. The City of Opelika will use funds to rehabilitate a senior citizen center and purchase equipment to improve social distancing in public buildings. Marengo County will use funds to repair a roof on its business incubator building in Linden and pave a parking lot at the regional hospital in Demopolis. Both buildings can be used for testing and vaccination centers. Monroe County will purchase medical equipment to help respond to COVID-19 and any future healthcare crises. Russell County will use funds to purchase a mobile health clinic and equipment to provide health services.
