Special to the Enquirer

MONTGOMERY— Gov. Kay Ivey has awarded a $300,000 grant to help provide new jobs and increase commerce in the city of Hartselle.

The Community Development Block Grant will provide infrastructure required for a Mapco Express to locate off Alabama Highway 36 and adjacent to Interstate 65. The combination gas station and convenience store will employ 40 people.

“The Community Development Block Grant program assists local governments with funds for projects that will benefit communities and provide jobs,” Gov. Ivey said. “I am pleased to award this grant to benefit the city of Hartselle.”

CDBG funds will be used to extend a road, Uncle Hershel Way, into a full loop that connects with Lando Cain Road. Uncle Hershel Way lies to the south of and runs parallel to Alabama Highway 36. It will provide access to the Mapco Express and serves now as the entrance to a Cracker Barrel restaurant.

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.

“Alabama’s northern section of Interstate 65 is growing rapidly with businesses to serve the ever-increasing number of travelers,” ADECA Director Kenneth Boswell said. “ADECA is pleased to join Gov. Ivey in support of this development which will increase commerce for the city of Hartselle and likely help propel future developments in that area.”

Gov. Ivey notified Mayor Randy Garrison that the grant had been approved. The city is supplying a local match of $205,235 for the improvements.

ADECA administers an array of programs supporting law enforcement and traffic safety, economic development, energy conservation, water resource management and recreation development.