Bentley awards grant to assist Greenville developments, add new jobs | Business

MONTGOMERY— A $500,000 grant awarded by Gov. Robert Bentley will help Greenville pave the way for new jobs in the city. 

The Community Development Block Grant will assist five economic development projects in the city resulting in nearly 200 new jobs. Road improvements made possible through the funding also will reduce traffic congestion and open the way for additional development near Exit 130 of Interstate 65. 

“Providing jobs for Alabamians is a priority of my administration and our team stands ready to assist whenever possible,” Bentley said. “I commend community and business leaders who are committed to seeing Greenville grow and prosper.”

The following projects will benefit from the grant:

• BBS Properties and Assigns will construct an 18,000-square-foot shopping center with shops employing at least 25 people.
• Shrinath Hotels will build an 80-unit hotel and full-service restaurant employing about 20 people.
• Wintzell’s Oyster House will construct a restaurant creating 125 full- and part-time jobs.
• Bishop Properties will construct a 140-unit apartment complex employing five people.
• CP Homes will construct a 42-unit assisted living facility employing 20 people.

CDBG funding will assist the city with the construction of a new road, Mary Drive East, an extension and improvements to Mary Drive West and the partial realignment of Interstate Drive.

The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs is administering the grant.

Greenville has pledged $1.1 million for the project. Bentley notified Mayor Dexter McLendon that the grant had been approved.

CDBG funds are allocated to Alabama by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. ADECA reviews grant applications and determines which projects to recommend to the governor for approval.

ADECA administers numerous programs supporting law enforcement and traffic safety, economic development, energy conservation, workforce development, water resource management and recreation development.

Information Source: ADECA