The Greene County Democrat

Tag: Community Development Block Grant

  • City Council authorizes CDBG application to pave new roads

    City Council authorizes CDBG application to pave new roads

    Featured above: city council with water and sewage personnel showing the new sewer jetter

    by Maya Quinn, editor

    City Council authorizes CDBG application to pave new roads

    Eutaw City Council met for its regular session on Tuesday, May 26th, 2026. All council members were present for the meeting and approved the minutes of the May 12th session. The main topics of discussion for the meeting included the application plan for the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Fund, roofing bids, and the purchase of a new sewage jetter. 

    During the new business, Mayor Cockrell introduced Cara Stallman from Grant Management LLC, based in Baldwin County, to lead the discussion regarding the CDBG fund for the City of Eutaw. Stallman explained that the city’s demographics “are perfect for this money,” citing a high proportion of low-income residents and the need for newly paved roads as her reasoning. The CDBG funds would be used for streets such as Carver Circle, 1st Ave, Constantine Street, and Springfield Avenue. “We’re not gonna put a band-aid on it,” Stallman said as she explained that the roads would be stripped and completely paved anew when asked about patching and drainage. 

    Stallman has also worked with other cities in the Black Belt, such as Boligee, where she helped them obtain funds for new roads and a playground near their city hall. Mayor Cockrell voiced his confidence in Stallman’s abilities, recalling her 85% success rate. “She has worked wonders,” he stated.

    Following the grant discussions, Mayor Cockrell announced that the city had purchased a new sewage jetter, the Harben DTK 750 ET 180 Manual. The new jetter can clean the interior walls of pipes from grease sludge to tree roots. Cockrell also reminded citizens about the new sewage flushing equipment and to call city hall or council members directly if there is brown water.

    Council members also shared status reports from their districts. Councilwoman Watkins of District 1 reminded attendees that the Caring People initiative, started by her late husband, will be handing out free produce on Saturday, June 13th, at 10 am. Councilwoman Hunter of District 3 stated that the gas bill had decreased significantly and thanked everyone for their continued efforts. Mr. Joe Powell requested prayers regarding a heart procedure.

    Here are the approved agenda items for the meeting:

    1. Accept the Four-Factor Analysis for Limited English Proficiency Persons: CDBG Program
    2. Approve the Sample Citizen Participation Plan CDBG Program
    3. Approve Resolution 2026-03: Authorizing Application for CDBG Funds for FY 2026 (Due July 2nd)
    4. Approve Resolution 2026-04: Purchase of Harben DTK 750 ET 180 Manual from Patterson Equipment of The Woodlands, TX
    5. Opening Bids for City Hall and R.H. Young Community Center Roofs
    6. Approve Payment of Bills

    The next Eutaw City Council meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, June 9th, at 5 pm.

     

    Featured image credentials: Maya Quinn on iPhone 15

  • ADECA awards $400,000 grant to City of Eutaw for sewage connection to Love’s Truck Stop site at Exit 40 on Interstate 20/59

    The Alabama Department Economic and Community Affairs (ADECA) has awarded a $400,000 grant that will help bring a new rest-stop option to travelers along Interstate 20/59 in Greene County and create new jobs in the process.
    The City of Eutaw will use the Community Development Block Grant to extend sewer service to an area on Alabama Highway 14 at exit 40 off Interstate 20/59. The sewer extension will provide the groundwork for a new location of Love’s Travel Stops & Country Stores. Love’s expects the new location to create 43 jobs.
    “Job creation continues to be a priority of my administration, especially in rural Alabama,” said Governor Ivey in making the grant. “I am pleased to support this project which will bring additional jobs and economic growth to the city of Eutaw and the surrounding area.”
    The project will include installation of about 6,000 feet of sewer line, eight manholes and related sewer components. The total project cost is $872,425. Along with the CDBG award, the city is providing $100,000 in local funding and $372,425 in funding from the Delta Regional Authority to supplement the grant.
    The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs is administering the grant from funds made available by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. ADECA also manages the Delta Regional Authority program in Alabama.
    Mayor Raymond Steele of Eutaw, said, “ We are grateful to ADECA for supporting an extension of our sewage line to Exit 40. This will bring us another step closer to opening a Love’s Truck Stop in our community to provide jobs and revenues for our city.”
    “The Governor understands the importance of economic growth to our state, especially job-growth impact in rural areas,” ADECA Director Kenneth Boswell said. “ADECA is pleased to join this partnership to create new economic activity in the city of Eutaw.”
    ADECA administers a wide range of programs that support law enforcement, economic development, water resource management, energy conservation and recreation development.