Governor Kay Ivey announced last week a $500,000 grant to assist the City of Glencoe with improving traffic safety while also helping local industries retain jobs.
Funds from the Appalachian Regional Commission will be used to make major road improvements along Websters Chapel Road. Three industries along with several private residences rely on the road to access U.S. Highway 431.
“These improvements will make it possible for industrial traffic and other motorists to safely travel Websters Chapel Road and access U.S. Highway 431,” Ivey said. “I am pleased to announce this funding to increase both the safety and accessibility of this road.”
The project will involve resurfacing Websters Chapel Road, improving drainage and modifying the turn radius at U.S. 431 to make it easier and safer for traffic to exit and enter that major highway.
CleanEarth, McEntyre Lumber Inc. and Martin Foundry Service Inc. are three industries that rely on the road to access U.S. Highway 431. The three industries employ a combined 100 people.
The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs is administering the grant.
“The Appalachian Regional Commission continues to provide crucial funding involving projects like this road work in Glencoe,” ADECA Director Kenneth Boswell said. “Ivey and I are both appreciative of the initiatives ARC undertakes in central and north Alabama to improve infrastructure and the overall quality of life for people within the ARC region.”
Ivey notified Glencoe Mayor Chris Hare that the grant had been approved.
ARC is an economic development agency of the federal government and 13 state governments. The agency’s mission is to innovate, partner, and invest to build community capacity and strengthen economic growth in Appalachia to help the region achieve socioeconomic parity with the nation. Thirty-seven Alabama counties, including Etowah County, are part of the ARC region and eligible for funds.
ADECA manages a range of programs that support law enforcement, economic development, recreation, energy conservation and water resource management.