Congressman Robert Aderholt on Tuesday highlighted the approval of two Appalachian Regional Commission grants—one for the Town of Brilliant in Marion County for the Road Infrastructure to Enhance Development of the Gateway I-22 Industrial Park project and another for Wallace State Community College’s Truck Driver Training Expansion project.
The Appalachian Regional Commission, or ARC, awarded the Town of Brilliant $289,115 to extend an access road into the Gateway I-22 West Industrial Park. The project includes construction of a paved, three-lane access road connecting the park’s Alabama 129 entrance to new development sites within the industrial park. The road will provide a primary connection between the industrial park and nearby Interstate 22.
The project will leverage state-funded site improvements, eliminate a barrier to competitiveness and strengthen Brilliant’s ability to attract private industry by providing a development-ready site, according to Aderholt’s news release.
In addition to funding through ARC’s Southern Appalachia Automotive Workforce program, local sources are providing $470,995, bringing the project total to $760,110.
Wallace State Community College was awarded $288,810 for its Truck Driver Training Expansion project. The funding will support enrollment and program completion for 300 workers and trainees, including efforts to help 270 graduates find employment.
The project will expand Wallace State’s existing Truck Driver Training program to better prepare workers for in-demand careers in north-central Alabama. The expanded program will help workers gain skills needed for commercial driving careers. ARC funds will support the purchase of specialized training equipment, expanded program outreach and dump truck training for incumbent workers.
Local sources also are providing $288,810 for the Wallace State project, bringing the total investment to $577,620.
“These ARC investments strengthen our communities by improving critical infrastructure, expanding workforce training, and opening the door to new economic opportunities across Alabama’s Fourth District,” Aderholt said. “By preparing workers for in-demand careers and making our industrial sites development-ready, we are building long-term growth that benefits families, employers, and local economies alike.”
The Appalachian Regional Commission is an economic development partnership between the federal government and 13 state governments focused on strengthening economic growth and opportunity across the Appalachian region. Congress funds ARC grant programs through annual appropriations.
