The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs has announced that a Community Development Block Grant is being awarded to the City of Red Bay.

“This grant award can be contributed to the teamwork and collaborative efforts of the Red Bay City Council, the City of Red Bay Industrial Development Board, city engineer Rod Hawkins, NACOLG community development specialist Heath King and Marcia Girard, president and CEO of Girard Systems,” Red Bay Mayor Charlene Fancher said.

This $250,000 of funding is to be used for street, drainage and sewer improvements to assist Girard Systems Inc., which has begun its expansion into Red Bay at the West Franklin Region Industrial Park. Girard is constructing a 34,000-square foot manufacturing building in the industrial park; a ground breaking was held November 2018.

“The grant application process began immediately upon Girard Systems Inc., signing a construction contract confirming their decision to locate their new industry in Red Bay,” Fancher said.

According to ADECA, this project will create 25 new jobs. “This is the perfect partnership and means new jobs in northwest Alabama,” said Gov. Kay Ivey in a press release. “I commend local elected officials and business leaders for working together to make this venture happen.”

“The City of Red Bay thanks all entities in the City of Red Bay and Franklin County who contributed toward the incentive proposal to Girard Systems,” Fancher added.

The City of Red Bay has agreed to match funding for $97,763.