Forkland continues its growth with USDA Rural Development grant

November 2, 2020November 4, 2020 Jan McDonald Alabama, Beeker, Forkland, McAlpine, Rural, USDA

The Town of Forkland continues its revitalization with the the purchase of two new police vehicles from a $67,300 USDA Rural Development grant.

A second $89,000 grant covers equipment for the streets and roads department.

Town officials and citizens of the community gathered Monday to celebrate the latest improvements to Forkland. On hand were Chris Beeker, USDA State Director, and Robert Macon, USDA representative.

Showing off the two new police vehicles in Forkland are, from left, Municipal Clerk Kinya Isaac-Turner; Mayor Pro Tem Joe Tuck, Carrie Jones, who wrote the grant; Police Chief Cedric Anthony, USDA state director, Mayor Charlie McAlpine and USDA representative Robert Macon.

Mayor Charlie McAlpine said the first grant, a $12,700 loan and matching funds from the town paid for two new police vehicles for the reactivated police department. The second grant was used to pay for a new backhoe and tractor for the streets and roads department.

McAlpine has led the drive to renew his town. Next on the list of projects planned when money becomes available is a new Public Safety Building, to be located on land cleared next to the current fire department. The mayor said the new building will house both the police and fire departments and a municipal court, which is expected to open Jan. 4, 2021.

Beeker said USDA Rural Development seeks to improve the quality of life in rural Alabama, and he looked forward to many more projects with the town.

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