The Alabama Department of Economic & Community Affairs announced on Wednesday two grants to be awarded in Northwest Alabama.

The Town of Phil Campbell was awarded $100,000 through the Appalachian Regional Commission to replace two sewer pump stations. The new pump stations will address problems related to sanitary overflows and prevent system failures and fines.  ADECA estimates that the grant will benefit at least 24 households, 4 businesses and the Northwest Alabama Community College.

“I want to commend Mayor Steve Bell and the Phil Campbell City Council for receiving this ADECA grant to upgrade two sewer pump stations,” Sen. Roger Bedford said.

“The leadership in the Town of Phil Campbell should be applauded on being proactive to receive these funds to protect the health of our residents and the environment.”

The Shoals Entrepreneurial Center was awarded $58,000 through the Appalachian Regional Commission to fund a workforce-training module at the Shoals Culinary Center.  It is expected that 48 at-risk students will complete the module to receive the ServeSafe credential from the National Restaurant Association.

“The Shoals Entrepreneurial Center is an outstanding example of an organization being creative to not only provide workforce development but also reaching out to students in our community that are at-risk,” Bedford said.

“I am certain that the benefits of this program will far outweigh the cost and help launch many culinary arts careers in the Shoals area.”