Alamo Seeking CDBG Grant
mrandolphadvance@gmail.com
The City of Alamo recently met to discuss the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) that the city is applying for in hopes of expanding its water and sewage services.
During a public hearing, City Manager Jeff Floyd, Mayor Pamela Lee Bess, Heart of Georgia Altamaha Regional Commission Director of Economic and Community Development Rich Bennett, Heart of Georgia Altamaha Regional Commission Grant Administrator Laura Sampson, and City Clerk Dana Burkhalter discussed the purpose of the grant and explained the timeline in which citizens could expect information.
The officials shared that they had previously applied for the funding to complete the work last year, but were unsuccessful in receiving the grant. “We actually wrote this grant last year. So, we’re having to redo some things just to make us eligible again this year for the grant,” Bennett explained.
He shared that the purpose of the CDBG Grant is to primarily help benefit low and moderate income people through projects addressing housing improvement, public facilities (water and sewer), creation of buildings like health centers or Head Starts, or economic development projects.
The grant could provide up to $1 million to help add a brand new lift station and extend sewage services to customers already receiving city water services. This extension would impact over thirty customers on Old Midwood Road, Snow Hill Road, and North Broad Street.
“I personally think that anytime we can upgrade any kind of infrastructure, we increase the value of our community. I think it’s a great thing, and it’s going to be a great look for the Environmental Protection Division (EPD) as well because of the improvement of sanitation and safety for the future and infrastructure of our community,” Floyd remarked.
He explained that the project had been decided on because of the need to serve current customers with sewer and to improve environmental conditions in the area. “It is more friendly to the environment – I think that’s one of our main goals,” Floyd added. “Instead of something leaching into the ground, it will go into our waste plant and be taken care of. I’m not saying that’s not the proper way of what’s already being done [through septic tanks] – it’s approved by the Health Department – but this will be a better way.”
The project is expected to cost almost $900,000 – around $50,000 of which will be funded through the city’s water and sewer budget. If the grant is received, construction will not begin until 2028.
The grant application is due by April. The city is currently accepting public comments on the plans. Individuals may share their thoughts by calling (912) 568-7153, or by emailing mayor@cityofalamo. us.
