MONTGOMERY, Ala.– Gov. Kay Ivey has announced the allocation of approximately $17 million in Community Development Block Grants (CDBG) to 44 communities across Alabama to support critical local infrastructure and community improvement projects.

The grants are administered by the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs (ADECA) using funds provided by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Awarded projects will address a wide range of community needs, including water and sewer system upgrades, street resurfacing, construction and improvement of community centers, and blight removal efforts.

“Community Development Block Grants make a difference in Alabama communities by helping towns, cities and counties address some of their most urgent needs without stressing their regular budgets,” Gov. Ivey said. “I am pleased to award these funds for projects that will make a positive impact in communities across our great state.”

ADECA Director Kenneth Boswell emphasized the competitive nature of the grant process, noting that local governments must first identify their most pressing needs before submitting applications.

“The CDBG program is a highly competitive process during which local governments begin by examining their most crucial needs that will have a large impact on their communities and then apply for funding to address those needs,” Boswell said. “ADECA joins with Gov. Ivey in congratulating those communities that were funded, and I applaud all communities that submitted applications.”

In Our Area, the Town of Paint Rock in Jackson County was awarded $400,000 in CDBG funding. The grant will be used to provide street improvements along Alred Street, Williamson Street, and Knolton Street to address safety hazards and improve roadway conditions.

CDBG funds are awarded annually across several categories to ensure equitable access for communities of varying sizes. Categories include Small City (populations of 3,000 and below), Large City (populations of 3,001 and above), County (primarily serving unincorporated areas), Community Enhancement (projects extending beyond basic infrastructure), and Planning Fund grants for long-range planning and goal development.

Large City and County grants are capped at $500,000 per award. Small City and Community Enhancement grants have a maximum award of $400,000, while Planning Fund grants are typically limited to $40,000.