Grant funds will help pay for landscaping

Morgan County is receiving more than $1 million in transportation improvement funds, including two major Hartselle projects.
State Sen. Arthur Orr, R-Decatur, announced the grants last week. They are based on an 80 percent/20 percent match between federal and local governments. The annual funding, appropriated by Congress and administered by the Alabama Department of Transportation, does not constitute any new or additional federal spending.
Hartselle’s receiving $390,400 in grant funding. The money, of which the city will be responsible for 20 percent or $78,080 as a local match, will be used to enhance the appearance of the Highway 31 corridor and two interstate interchanges. Of the total, $262,400 is designated to finance the landscaping and beautification of Highway 31 from north to south city limits. The remaining $128,000 will be used to fund landscaping projects at I-65 and Highway 36 and I-65 and Thompson Road.
“These funds will help improve the perception and image of Hartselle,” Orr said. “Vibrant business districts and well-maintained entrances to the city will help attract visitors and stimulate economic development.”
Two interstate developments in progress are expected to benefit directly from the enhancement funds. One is a new Cracker Barrel restaurant at that will soon be built in the southeastern quadrant of I-65 and Highway 36 and the new Morgan Business Park located in the northwestern quadrant of the I-65 and Thompson Road interchange.
At the same time Senator Orr announced approval of enhancement grants for Decatur and Priceville.
Decatur will receive $400,000 for the Lower Bank Street streetscape project and $137,720 for landscaping of the Highway 31 causeway.
Princeville is getting $109,760 for landscape work at the I65 and Highway 67 inter change.