From Ann Harper, City of Millbrook, Economic Development Office
Fifty-eight (58) Alabama communities across the state received an early Christmas present from Governor Kay Ivey as she recently announced grant awards totaling $18.7 million under the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program. The City of Millbrook is one of the recipients and will use its grant to construct a new Senior Center on Grandview Road near City Hall. Currently, the City’s Senior Program operates out of the Millbrook Memorial Center, a dated building with limited space and amenities, and shared with other groups.
Mayor Kelley on receiving the news, “I am very appreciative of Governor Ivey and the staff of the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs (ACEDA) for working hard to select the most needed and impactful projects for funding. The CDBG grant application process is highly competitive and I’m just grateful that they saw the tremendous need and importance of our proposed project. Our goal is to help improve the quality of life of our older residents and provide value to these families in our community.”
The City received a $250,000 grant from the CDBG Community Enhancement category and will match the grant with $350,888. The grant will be used for site preparation, construction of a 4,200 sq. ft. senior center, architect/engineering fees and project administration. The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs is administering the grant funds made available by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, and the Central Alabama Regional Planning and Development Commission will manage the project for federal and state compliance.
Olivia Venable, Millbrook’s Senior Program Director, is very pleased that the project is moving forward. Ms. Venable said, “I along with the 125 plus seniors we are currently serving per week are so happy and thankful. This is the first time our program will have a dedicated building where we can continue to develop and expand our Program with a wide variety of services ranging from nutrition and wellness programs to social and recreational activities. It is important that our older citizens stay active and social. This is essential to quality of life. We can’t wait to get started!”
