MONTGOMERY, Ala. — Gov. Kay Ivey on Wednesday announced that the City of Cullman has been awarded a Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) in the amount of $350,000 for road improvements and to improve traffic safety to a main thoroughfare to REHAU, Inc. Ivey’s office said the grant will help REHAU “expand and provide 125 jobs in the city.”
The grant will result in the rehabilitation and resurfacing of 24th Street, which leads into the industrial park where REHAU is located. The 2-mile project will be from Alabama Highway 69 (Cherokee Avenue) to U.S. Highway 31 and will also benefit other local industries. The City of Cullman is providing $100,000 in local funds for the project.
Cullman Economic Development Agency (CEDA) Director Dale Greer said the 24th Street project is a joint one between the City of Cullman and the Cullman County Commission, since half of the thoroughfare belongs to the County.
REHAU produces plastic-injection products that are used in the manufacturing of Alabama-built vehicles, including Mercedes, as well as for construction and other industries.
The grant is the second CDBG awarded to the City of Cullman within the past week. On Feb. 4, Ivey announced a $500,000 grant to help in the expansion of Reliance Worldwide Corp. (www.cullmantribune.com/2021/02/04/500k-grant-official-for-reliance-worldwide-expansion)
“Expansions by two companies in the same city within the same timeframe do not just happen. It takes a dedicated effort to bring these jobs to the Cullman area,” Ivey said. “REHAU and Reliance Worldwide are companies that produce excellent products, and they are to be congratulated on their growth. I must also commend local officials who work with these companies to facilitate expansions, and I have high praise for the Alabama workers whose work ethic is second to none.”
The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs (ADECA) is administering the grant from funds made available by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.
“Gov. Ivey is dedicated to help Alabama companies flourish and provide new jobs for Alabamians,” ADECA Director Kenneth Boswell said. “ADECA is pleased to play a role in Gov. Ivey’s vision and helping Alabama companies and their employees succeed.”
The City of Cullman also announced this week that it has entered into an agreement with the Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT), paving the way for a traffic signal at Cherokee Avenue/24th Street intersection.
