Over in DeKalb County, a worn-out sewer system needs upgrades in Collinsville and Pine Ridge needs a plan to help manage growth. In Marshall County, a water-damaged Guntersville Senior Center needs extensive repairs.
All of these needs can be met now thanks to TARCOG helping each community through recent grant awards totaling more than $750,000, said Lee Terry, director of Economic Development and Planning.
Terry said TARCOG staff utilized the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program to help the three communities. CDBG provides annual grants on a formula basis to states, cities, and counties to develop viable urban communities by providing decent housing and a suitable living environment, and by expanding economic opportunities, principally for low- and moderate-income persons.
Pine Ridge is looking to its future and received $40,000 to fully fund the creation of a
community wide comprehensive plan. Terry said the proposed comprehensive plan will establish goals and policy actions that will help the town manage growth, pursue improvements in quality of life, and identify and incorporate community assets.
He said the goals and policies will ensure that Pine Ridge is able to adapt to changing conditions while developing into a town that is resilient, attractive, and a safe place to live, both now and in the future.
In Collinsville, TARCOG was able to secure $400,000 in CDBG funding to help with a $460,000 sewer system upgrade.
Terry said each service line in the town will be excavated and replaced from the main line to the residence as required. Leaking manholes in the project area will be sealed with a waterproof cement-based coating and manhole tops will be raised to eliminate surface infiltration into the manhole.
One manhole in the system has been identified as substandard because of its square poured basin that historically has caused severe back-ups in the system, will be replaced entirely, Terry said.
The largest grant award for $312,013 was for the Guntersville Senior Center, which is looking at a total project cost of just under $2 million to repair and expand its services.
During freezing weather in December 2022, a water pipe burst flooding the center’s multi-purpose room and damaged other parts of the western side of the building. Terry said during efforts to clean up the flood damage, structural damage was discovered to the building’s support beams.
The structural needs addressed by the renovations will increase the longevity of the building, Terry said, while providing an opportunity for more visitors and activities.
Terry said TARCOG is proud of the work that went into securing these much needed funds for our partners and also added a special thank you and much deserved recognition of the time and effort put into the grant applications by the ED&P staff.