$1 million awarded to Marion County Water Authority for additional water supply

MARION COUNTY — Gov. Kay Ivey announced on July 30 the awarding of a $1 million grant aimed at providing clean and reliable water to residents and businesses in Marion County.
The grant from the Appalachian Regional Commission, a federal-state partnership program, will enable the Marion County Public Water Authority to connect its system to the Town of Vina’s water system for approximately 30 percent of its water.
The project will improve public water service for about 500 residential customers and 20 businesses. The town also receives water from other nearby systems.
“Safe and abundant water supply is not only necessary for good health, but also for the livelihood of every community,” Ivey said. “I am pleased to support this major project that will ensure residents and businesses in rural Marion County have long-term access to public water.”
The Marion County Public Water Authority will install about seven miles of 6-inch water line along Alabama Highway 19 and Pap Franklin Road to bring water from Vina to Marion County public water customers and ensure the water system adheres to standards approved by the Alabama Department of Environmental Management. A booster station will also be installed to ensure adequate water pressure.
Asked to comment, Rep. Tracy Estes said, “I am thrilled with the news this additional $1 million has been secured to assist the Marion County Water Authority. This is a project our team has been working on for quite some time.
“Since coming into office in 2018, I have heard more heartbreaking stories and complaints about needed improvements and accessibility to water than any other issue. I'm excited to see the numerous new customers which will begin public water usage soon.
“The grant is just the next step in the process and is the result of countless phone calls, letters written, and meetings arranged in Montgomery with those who have access to the funds needed. This is what it has taken from our team to make this happen.
“At the same time, we understand the work is not done. Even after this project, there will still be numerous other families within the county who need public drinking water. This will remain our collective goal moving forward until the last potential customer has been served.”
The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs administers the ARC program in Alabama.
“Local leaders are to be commended for stepping in and finding a solution that will benefit customers of the Marion County Public Water Authority,” ADECA Director Kenneth Boswell said. “ADECA is pleased to join Gov. Ivey in support of this project.”
Ivey notified Dale McCreless, chairman of the Marion County Public Water Authority, the grant had been approved.

McCreless said, “I’m so glad everybody has worked together to do this with the governor. I’m so grateful to all those who were involved from the water board, the county commission, our Senator Garlan Gudger, as well as Tracy Estes, our state representative.
“We’ve all worked together to get this started. This is something this county has needed for a long time. We want to provide water, which is greatly needed for this county, especially in the areas without municipal water access.”
McCreless also shared some of the history of the hook-up project, which he noted has been underway for decades.
“This has actually been in the works since the 1990s, beginning with former Rep. Mike Millican and Sen. Roger Bedford,” he said. “And I believe Blue Harbor, Jim McRae, Johnie B. Randolph and Michael Real were among those on the water authority board at that time. These men planted the seeds we’re finally seeing bloom now. And, of course, former general manager Jan Cummings, was instrumental in not only furthering this project, but helping to establish the water authority itself.
“And we definitely appreciate so much Gov. Ivey and everything she has done to help this area. I’d also like to acknowledge everyone, past and present, who has served on the water board, as they have done so for the good of the county. And we praise God for what He has done for us and continues to do each and every day.”
Marion County Water Authority General Manager Eric Terrell added, “Our local leaders really helped us get this across the finish line. Keith Nichols, the commissioner for District 1, was really instrumental in helping us get this done. He worked with Sen. Garland Gudger and Director Boswell.
“They came to our office and met with us and helped us find this solution to give us a little bit more funding to assist with putting that line in from Vina.
“This was a group effort from our board, the county commission, our senator, and Director Bosewell of ADECA, and NACOLG, as well. They’re helping us with this. They’re helping administer the grant.
“It’s just been a group effort to get this money to go on that project. I’m excited about getting started with it. It’s been a long time coming. And hopefully, we can get started moving forward here in the next couple of months and get some pipe in the ground.”
ARC is an economic development agency of the federal government and 13 state governments. The agency’s mission is to innovate, partner and invest to build community capacity and strengthen economic growth in Appalachia to help the region achieve socioeconomic parity with the nation. Thirty-seven Alabama counties, including Marion County, are part of the ARC region and eligible for funds.
ADECA manages a range of programs that support law enforcement, economic development, recreation, energy conservation and water resource management.