Forkland receives grant/loan for maintenance equipment

When the Jan. 12 storm hit Forkland, Mayor Charlie McAlpine and the Town Council realized the town was not as prepared for disaster as they had thought. After the storm they decided that something had to be done. Mayor McAlpine sought assistance from USDA.

Tuesday the Town of Forkland received a Grant/Loan Package from the USDA, Rural Development Division, Tuscaloosa Area Office, to purchase a backhoe, grappling hook, tractor, two chain saws and a pole saw. The package includes a $31,000 loan and a $89,000 grant.

The equipment will be used by the town’s Public Works Division to assist with basic maintenance such as debris removal. Much of the work that was previously contracted now can be done by the town’s employees, saving the community even more.

  The Grant/Loan program provides affordable funding to develop essential facilities to a local rural community. It is aimed at communities with a population of 5,500 or less and with a median household income below 80% of the state’s nonmetropolitan areas.

Soon after Mayor McAlpine came to office the town developed a Strategic Plan. Over the last four years, much of his agenda has been realized.

Several projects are in the works now, including the upgrade of two major roads with the possibility of the improvement of a third.

After acquiring a building for a Youth Center, now being renovated, the town is developing a strategy for its safe use before it is opened.

Since the mayor took office, the town has established a Municipal Court and re-activated the Police Department. It now needs a place to house those departments as well as an outdated Fire Department.

Seeking assistance for that undertaking, yet another proposal is before the USDA.