Special to the Enquirer  

MONTGOMERY— Gov. Kay Ivey has awarded grants totaling nearly $26 million to help low-income households with utility costs during the hot summer months. 

The grants will enable 18 community service agencies to provide emergency funding to help low-income families cool their homes. 

Of the awarded funds, $1.38 million was granted locally to Community Action Partnership of North Alabama Inc. The organization serves Cullman, Lawrence, Marion, Morgan and Winston counties. 

“Alabama’s hottest times of the year can hit many low-income residents particularly hard when they struggle to pay their utility bills along with other needs on extremely limited budgets,” Gov. Ivey said. “These grants will provide necessary funding to assist these Alabama families.”  

Gov. Ivey awarded the grants to the community agencies that manage the program at the local level and receive applications from individuals seeking assistance. 

The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs is administering the grants from funds made available by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. 

“ADECA stands with Gov. Ivey in supporting those who need help most during our hottest months of the year,” ADECA Director Kenneth Boswell said. “These partnerships with local community agencies ensure that those who truly need assistance will receive emergency help with cooling their homes.”