What is known as “grant season” around the TARCOG office, has ended with our staff submitting 11 grants for more than $2.7 million in funds to support nearly $6 million in projects throughout the region.
Economic Development & Planning Director Lee Terry said the end of “grant season” doesn’t mean additional grant applications won’t be submitted. It just means the busiest time of year for grant applications and deadlines has passed.
“I’m so proud of the hard work our staff has accomplished in meeting these deadlines for projects that are important for every county in our region,” Lee said.
From a school expansion in Scottsboro, easier access for breathtaking mountain views and sunsets in Mentone, to new roads in Paint Rock, sewer systems in Valley Head and Skyline, and a new baseball field in Boaz, Lee said each of the funding requests has the potential to improve the overall quality of life in the TARCOG region.
The first deadlines of the season were for Community Development Block Grants (CDBG). Submitted by July 23 included:
- Jackson County: Road improvements to three major roads in the Town of Paint Rock; Alred, Knowlton, and Williamson streets. The project is expected to result in addressing several safety and structural issues for these roads increasing quality of life for residents. Total CDBG funds requested, and total project cost — $400,000
- Madison County: Proposed project would result in the critical rehabilitation of the Stone Shed that currently serves the Town of Triana as the only restroom facility for the town park. The project is expected to result in improvements in structure, safety, and accessibility so park patrons can continue to use this beloved community amenity. Total CDBG funds requested was $400,000 with a total project cost of $460,000
- Marshall County: Improvements are needed at the Cherokee Baseball Fields located in the City of Boaz. The park is a widely used facility by many residents in the city; especially by those low to moderate income individuals who live within a one-mile radius from the park. The project is expected to enhance the quality of the fields while also addressing safety and accessibility concerns. Total CDBG funds requested was $400,000 with a total project cost of $883,514.25
- DeKalb County: The Town of Pine Ridge needs a formal zoning ordinance to capitalize on the recent growth DeKalb County is experiencing. The ordinances will ensure the town is able to manage growth in its community in a way that reflects the values and desires of its residents. Total CDBG funds requested, and total project cost — $40,000
- DeKalb County: The Town of Valley Head wants to conduct a feasibility study for the sewer system in the community. This study will assess growth and improvement opportunities for the current system. Total CDBG funds requested, and total project cost — $40,000
- Jackson County: The Town of Skyline wants to conduct a feasibility study for the sewer system in the community. The town wants to build new school facilities that would require a sewer expansion in order to meet capacity requirements. The study will assess growth and improvement opportunities for the town. Total CDBG funds requested, and total project cost — $40,000
By September 10, two Recreational Trails Program (RTP) grants were submitted including:
- DeKalb County: Improvements to the walking trail at Sylvania Town Park. The existing gravel trail would be paved to increase ease of access to all users. This project is expected to increase visitors to the park and allow more users of all ability levels to be able to utilize this recreational facility. Total RTP funds requested was $80,000 with a total project cost of $100,000
- DeKalb County: The Town of Mentone has applied for the construction of a walking trail and overlook at Brow Park. This park is a popular spot for locals and tourists alike looking for a nice place to have lunch or to take in a beautiful sunset. This new walking trail and overlook will add to the amenities of the park and improve the experience of visitors. Total RTP funds requested was $160,000 with a total project cost of $200,000
By September 25, two applications for Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) Area Development grants were submitted including:
- DeKalb County: Construction of a pavilion in the Valley Head Town Park. Construction of the pavilion will support economic development opportunities for the town as well as having a place for town gatherings and events. Total ARC funds requested was $165,000 with a total project cost of $330,000
- Jackson County: The Scottsboro City Schools system is seeking to build a new wing on their tech school to expand its Fuji Automatic Numerical Control (FANUC) lab. By building this new facility the school system will be able to train students on advanced manufacturing robots that are used throughout the manufacturing industry. This program will directly impact the local manufacturing sector and provide a jobs pipeline for students and employers in the local area. Total ARC funds requested was $500,000 with a total project cost of $2,455,886.62. TARCOG is continuing to pursue further grant funding to close the funding gap for this grant.
And by September 9, one Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) grant application was submitted for:
- Jackson County: Construction of a new baseball field and a relocated, expanded parking lot for the Town of Section. The town needs a third baseball field for its growing youth baseball league. The addition of a new field to the park will allow more games to be scheduled and new teams added to the league to allow participation by more players than the league can currently accommodate. Total LWCF funds requested was $500,000 with a total project cost of $1,000,000.
$400,000 in Community Development Block Grant funds have been requested to rehabilitate the Stone Shed that currently serves the Town of Triana as the only restroom facility its town park. The total project cost is $460,000. The grant application was one in 11 submitted by TARCOG staff in recent months.