ELBA, Ala. (WDNews) – Governor Kay Ivey has awarded a $150,000 Community Development Block Grant to support new business development and job creation in the city of Elba.
The funds will be used to provide infrastructure for a new Jack’s Family Restaurants location, which plans to employ 25 people. The project is also expected to encourage additional commercial growth in the area.
“This grant will help supply the needed infrastructure for an Alabama-grown business and will further promote commerce and job creation in the city of Elba,” Gov. Ivey said. “In the near-term, this project will provide jobs for Elba residents and pave the way for additional development and future job opportunities.”
Jack’s plans to build the restaurant adjacent to the Elba Travel Center on U.S. Highway 84. The Alabama-based company, founded in 1960 in Homewood, operates more than 250 locations across Alabama, Tennessee, Georgia and Mississippi.
The CDBG funds will go toward installing a 6-inch water line to the site, ensuring adequate water pressure and fire suppression capabilities.
“This project will help supply needed water to immediate and future businesses in this particular area of Elba,” said Kenneth Boswell, director of the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs. “ADECA is pleased to join Gov. Ivey in supporting this effort.”
Gov. Ivey formally notified Elba Mayor Tom Maddox of the grant approval. The city has pledged $48,210 in local matching funds to support the project.
ADECA is administering the grant from funds provided by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. The department oversees programs focused on law enforcement, traffic safety, economic development, energy conservation, water resource management, and recreational development.
