22-04-2025
Gov. Ivey awards $600K grant to alleviate drainage problems in Scottsboro
SCOTTSBORO, Ala. (WHNT) — Gov. Kay Ivey has awarded the City of Scottsboro a $600,000 grant to help with drainage problems.
The grant funds will help address a flooding problem that could potentially present safety hazards for residents in the area.
The Community Development Block Grant Urgent Need award will be used to reroute a damaged and partially collapsed drainage line that has caused flooding and water backup in a section of downtown Scottsboro.
City officials say that the flooding is causing damage to structures in the area such as the Scottsboro First Baptist Church.
'These funds will help the city realign a stormwater drainage system so that any rain can safely be diverted away from buildings and property and flow naturally through the runoff system without causing any harm or damage,' Gov. Ivey said. 'I am pleased to award these funds to help alleviate this issue for Scottsboro residents.'
According to the state, the current drainage line is 85 years old, and was installed during the Works Progress Administration enacted by then President Franklin D. Roosevelt. Officials say that the current line runs under a church playground and an activity center.
City officials told News 19 that the new line will be constructed along the south side of Laurel Street and the east side of Scott Street, avoiding church property and private property.
The older sewer line will be plugged to ensure there is no runoff through it.
The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs is administering the award from funds made available by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.
'Community Development Block Grants under the urgent need fund are intended for occasions like this one in Scottsboro where there is a threat to a community's well-being,' ADECA Director Kenneth Boswell said. 'ADECA is pleased to join Gov. Ivey in this project to alleviate this issue.'
Scottsboro Mayor Jim McCamy, was notified by Gov. Ivey that the funding had been approved. The City of Scottsboro is also providing $187,430 in local funds towards the project.
News 19 is working to receive information on when the project is expected to be completed.
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