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Gov. Ivey announces grant to create jobs in Tallapoosa-Coosa area
Special to the News
Gov. Kay Ivey has announced a $180,000 grant that will help an Alabama lumber company build a plant that will lead to 130 jobs in east-central Alabama.
The grant from the Appalachian Regional Commission, a federal-state partnership program, will help Alexander City provide infrastructure needed to pave the way for the construction of Two Rivers Lumber sawmill at the Lake Martin Regional Industrial Park on the outskirts of Kellyton.
The ARC grant will be combined with a $180,000 Community Development Block Grant awarded earlier this year by Gov. Ivey.
The $115 million sawmill will be constructed on a 110-acre site in the industrial park off U.S. Highway 280.
“This sawmill will have a tremendous economic impact for Coosa County, Tallapoosa County and much of east central Alabama,” Ivey said. “While the mill will employ 130 people, the ripple effect will benefit timberland owners, foresters and harvesters and multiple other businesses. I am pleased to support this project.”
Brad Gould, Kellyton general manager for Two Rivers Lumber, said, “The help and support from the folks in Coosa County and the local communities has been overwhelming. The leaders of Alexander City, LMAEDA, Kellyton Fire Department, and their teams have worked very hard to make this a successful project.”
ARC and CDBG funds will be used to supply water and sewer services to the sawmill. Approximately 2,600 feet of water and sewer line will be installed, including required fire hydrants and cutoff valves. The infrastructure addition will also support future expansion or additional industries within the industrial park.
The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs administers the ARC and CDBG programs in Alabama.
“This project is a collaboration of many partners that will provide benefits in Tallapoosa and Coosa counties and beyond,” ADECA Director Kenneth Boswell said. “ADECA is pleased to join with Gov. Ivey in support of this project.”
Two Rivers Lumber was established in 2017 in Demopolis by the owners of McElroy Truck Lines and Sumter Timber, both based in west Alabama.
Gov. Ivey notified Alexander City Mayor Curtis “Woody” Baird that the ARC grant had been awarded.
ADECA administers a wide range of programs supporting law enforcement and traffic safety, economic development, energy conservation, water resource management, and recreation development.
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