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Governor Whitmer Announces Michigan Crime Rate Reaches 7-Year Low
LANSING, Michigan, Oct. 26 -- Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, D-Michigan, issued the following news release:
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Governor Whitmer Announces Michigan Crime Rate Reaches 7-Year Low
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LANSING, Mich. - Today, after years of sustained investment in local policy, community violence intervention and efforts to keep illegal guns off the streets, Governor Whitmer announced that violent crime in Michigan is the lowest it's been in seven years. Murders are down more than 40% since 2021, robberies have been cut in half since the governor took office, and more than 1,000 illegal guns have been taken off the streets
... Show Full Article
LANSING, Michigan, Oct. 26 -- Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, D-Michigan, issued the following news release:
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Governor Whitmer Announces Michigan Crime Rate Reaches 7-Year Low
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LANSING, Mich. - Today, after years of sustained investment in local policy, community violence intervention and efforts to keep illegal guns off the streets, Governor Whitmer announced that violent crime in Michigan is the lowest it's been in seven years. Murders are down more than 40% since 2021, robberies have been cut in half since the governor took office, and more than 1,000 illegal guns have been taken off the streetsas part of Operation Safe Neighborhoods.
"Every Michigander deserves to feel safe in their home, their neighborhood, and their community," said Governor Whitmer. "We've invested nearly $2 billion in public safety to put more officers on the street, support proven violence intervention programs, and take illegal guns out of the hands of people who shouldn't have them. I'm grateful to the law enforcement officers and community partners who work every day to keep our communities safe."
Since 2018, Michigan has invested nearly $2 billion in public safety, including:
* $100 million for Public Safety Revenue Sharing grants over the past two fiscal years, to provide cities, villages, and townships with additional resources for police services and to support community violence intervention efforts.
* $25.2 million for community violence intervention grants that work to stop violence before it starts.
* $2.5 million for the statewide gun violence prevention task force, to save lives, reduce violence, and work to keep Michiganders safe.
* A 20% pay raise for Michigan State Police Troopers and Sergeants to attract and retain the men and women who keep communities safe.
The governor has also signed commonsense gun safety laws, including universal background checks and safe storage requirements, extreme risk protection orders and a ban on firearm possession by convicted domestic abusers.
"Every day, our troopers across Michigan work alongside community partners to make our neighborhoods safer, and it's yielding results," said Col. James F. Grady II, director of the Michigan State Police. "Governor Whitmer's investments have given us the resources to protect Michiganders, take illegal guns off our streets and build real trust with the communities we serve. We're proud of this progress, and we're not slowing down."
"Every Michigander deserves to feel safe at home, at work, and everywhere in between. That's why we've driven historic investments into evidence-based public safety initiatives," said state Senator Kevin Hertel (D-St. Clair Shores), chair of the Senate committee responsible for the Michigan State Police budget. "With this funding, we're making sure our public safety departments have the training, personnel, and equipment they need to protect our communities. And with crime being at a 7-year low, it's clear that our approach is working."
"The investments we've made in public safety over the last several years, like higher trooper pay and providing sustainable revenue sharing for local departments, are delivering real, tangible results," said state Representative Denise Mentzer (D-Mt. Clemens). "This seven-year low shows that when Lansing invests directly in public safety, it pays off in dividends for the safety of our communities."
Nearly one in three reported violent crimes in Michigan involve a firearm. Earlier this year, Governor Whitmer announced over 1,000 illegal guns have been taken off the streets as part of Operation Safe Neighborhoods. Since the operation began, law enforcement officials have conducted more than 11,000 check-ins with felony offenders. During sweeps, officers have also recovered illegal drugs and ammunition. This initiative builds on Governor Whitmer's MI Safe Communities program that she launched in 2021 to invest in local police, get illegal guns off the street and fund expanded opportunities in jobs, education and the justice system.
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Original text here: https://www.michigan.gov/whitmer/news/press-releases/2026/10/26/governor-whitmer-announces-michigan-crime-rate-reaches-7-year-low
Governor Whitmer Announces Michigan Crime Rate Reaches 7-Year Low
LANSING, Michigan, Oct. 26 -- Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, D-Michigan, issued the following news release:
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Governor Whitmer Announces Michigan Crime Rate Reaches 7-Year Low
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LANSING, Mich. - Today, after years of sustained investment in local policy, community violence intervention and efforts to keep illegal guns off the streets, Governor Whitmer announced that violent crime in Michigan is the lowest it's been in seven years. Murders are down more than 40% since 2021, robberies have been cut in half since the governor took office, and more than 1,000 illegal guns have been taken off the streets
... Show Full Article
LANSING, Michigan, Oct. 26 -- Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, D-Michigan, issued the following news release:
* * *
Governor Whitmer Announces Michigan Crime Rate Reaches 7-Year Low
*
LANSING, Mich. - Today, after years of sustained investment in local policy, community violence intervention and efforts to keep illegal guns off the streets, Governor Whitmer announced that violent crime in Michigan is the lowest it's been in seven years. Murders are down more than 40% since 2021, robberies have been cut in half since the governor took office, and more than 1,000 illegal guns have been taken off the streetsas part of Operation Safe Neighborhoods.
"Every Michigander deserves to feel safe in their home, their neighborhood, and their community," said Governor Whitmer. "We've invested nearly $2 billion in public safety to put more officers on the street, support proven violence intervention programs, and take illegal guns out of the hands of people who shouldn't have them. I'm grateful to the law enforcement officers and community partners who work every day to keep our communities safe."
Since 2018, Michigan has invested nearly $2 billion in public safety, including:
* $100 million for Public Safety Revenue Sharing grants over the past two fiscal years, to provide cities, villages, and townships with additional resources for police services and to support community violence intervention efforts.
* $25.2 million for community violence intervention grants that work to stop violence before it starts.
* $2.5 million for the statewide gun violence prevention task force, to save lives, reduce violence, and work to keep Michiganders safe.
* A 20% pay raise for Michigan State Police Troopers and Sergeants to attract and retain the men and women who keep communities safe.
The governor has also signed commonsense gun safety laws, including universal background checks and safe storage requirements, extreme risk protection orders and a ban on firearm possession by convicted domestic abusers.
"Every day, our troopers across Michigan work alongside community partners to make our neighborhoods safer, and it's yielding results," said Col. James F. Grady II, director of the Michigan State Police. "Governor Whitmer's investments have given us the resources to protect Michiganders, take illegal guns off our streets and build real trust with the communities we serve. We're proud of this progress, and we're not slowing down."
"Every Michigander deserves to feel safe at home, at work, and everywhere in between. That's why we've driven historic investments into evidence-based public safety initiatives," said state Senator Kevin Hertel (D-St. Clair Shores), chair of the Senate committee responsible for the Michigan State Police budget. "With this funding, we're making sure our public safety departments have the training, personnel, and equipment they need to protect our communities. And with crime being at a 7-year low, it's clear that our approach is working."
"The investments we've made in public safety over the last several years, like higher trooper pay and providing sustainable revenue sharing for local departments, are delivering real, tangible results," said state Representative Denise Mentzer (D-Mt. Clemens). "This seven-year low shows that when Lansing invests directly in public safety, it pays off in dividends for the safety of our communities."
Nearly one in three reported violent crimes in Michigan involve a firearm. Earlier this year, Governor Whitmer announced over 1,000 illegal guns have been taken off the streets as part of Operation Safe Neighborhoods. Since the operation began, law enforcement officials have conducted more than 11,000 check-ins with felony offenders. During sweeps, officers have also recovered illegal drugs and ammunition. This initiative builds on Governor Whitmer's MI Safe Communities program that she launched in 2021 to invest in local police, get illegal guns off the street and fund expanded opportunities in jobs, education and the justice system.
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Original text here: https://www.michigan.gov/whitmer/news/press-releases/2026/10/26/governor-whitmer-announces-michigan-crime-rate-reaches-7-year-low
Coastal Reserve to hold fall local advisory committee meetings
RALEIGH, North Carolina, Oct. 26 -- The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality issued the following news release:
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Coastal Reserve to hold fall local advisory committee meetings
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The N.C. Coastal Reserve and National Estuarine Research Reserve will hold fall local advisory committee meetings Nov. 9 through Dec. 3 for the following reserve sites. All meetings are open to the public.
Bald Head Woods Reserve
Nov. 9 at 1 p.m.
Bald Head Island Conservancy, 700 Federal Road, Bald Head Island, NC 28461
Rachel Carson Reserve
Nov. 10 at 3 p.m.
NOAA Administration Building, 101
... Show Full Article
RALEIGH, North Carolina, Oct. 26 -- The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality issued the following news release:
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Coastal Reserve to hold fall local advisory committee meetings
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The N.C. Coastal Reserve and National Estuarine Research Reserve will hold fall local advisory committee meetings Nov. 9 through Dec. 3 for the following reserve sites. All meetings are open to the public.
Bald Head Woods Reserve
Nov. 9 at 1 p.m.
Bald Head Island Conservancy, 700 Federal Road, Bald Head Island, NC 28461
Rachel Carson Reserve
Nov. 10 at 3 p.m.
NOAA Administration Building, 101Pivers Island Road, Beaufort, 28516
Buxton Woods Reserve
Nov. 12 at 1 p.m.
Fessenden Center, 46830 Highway 12, Buxton, NC 27920
Bird Island Reserve
Nov. 12 at 10 a.m.
Virtual, Webex Link: https://ncgov.webex.com/ncgov/j.php?MTID=m278511cf5490b22c14675b0ae4d23472 Opens in new window
Kitty Hawk Woods Reserve
Nov. 13 at 1 p.m.
Kitty Hawk Town Hall, 101 Veterans Memorial Drive, Kitty Hawk, 27949
Zeke's Island Reserve
Nov. 16 at 11 a.m.
UNCW Center for Marine Science, 5600 Marvin K Moss Lane Wilmington, NC 28409
Permuda Island Reserve
Nov. 18 at 1 p.m.
Onslow Co Library, Sneads Ferry Branch, 1330 NC-210, Sneads Ferry, NC 28460
Masonboro Island Reserve
Nov. 19 at 10:30 a.m.
UNCW Center for Marine Science, 5600 Marvin K Moss Lane Wilmington, NC 28409
Currituck Banks Reserve
Nov. 20 at 1 p.m.
Virtual, Webex: https://ncgov.webex.com/ncgov/j.php?MTID=m89c78b443eeb81d11dec686273714af6 Opens in new window
Emily & Richardson Preyer Buckridge Reserve
Dec. 3 at 10 a.m.
Pocosin Lakes NWR main office, 205 S. Ludington Drive, Columbia, 27925
Local advisory committees consist of residents and representatives from community organizations, government agencies, and non-governmental partner organizations who provide the N.C. Department of Environmental Quality's Division of Coastal Management's Coastal Reserve and National Estuarine Research Reserve staff with guidance and feedback regarding program activities and management of the reserve sites.
The North Carolina Division of Coastal Management, Opens in new window a division of the N.C. Department of Environmental Quality Opens in new window, works to protect, conserve and manage North Carolina's coastal resources in the 20 coastal counties. The N.C. Coastal Reserve and National Estuarine Research Reserve Program Opens in new window protects natural areas for education, research, and compatible traditional uses. Since its creation in 1989, the program has preserved more than 44,000 acres of unique coastal environments at 10 sites along the coast.
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Original text here: https://www.deq.nc.gov/news/press-releases/2026/10/26/coastal-reserve-hold-fall-local-advisory-committee-meetings
Attorney General Griffin Launches One Pill Can Kill Initiative at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences
LITTLE ROCK, Arkansas, Oct. 26 -- Arkansas Attorney General Tim Griffin issued the following news release:
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Attorney General Griffin Launches One Pill Can Kill Initiative at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences
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Griffin: 'Educating young people about the dangers of illicit opioids and
equipping them to save lives is critical to protecting Arkansans'
LITTLE ROCK - Attorney General Tim Griffin issued the following statement after joining University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) Chancellor Dr. C. Lowry Barnes today to launch the One Pill Can Kill initiative at UAMS:
"UAMS
... Show Full Article
LITTLE ROCK, Arkansas, Oct. 26 -- Arkansas Attorney General Tim Griffin issued the following news release:
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Attorney General Griffin Launches One Pill Can Kill Initiative at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences
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Griffin: 'Educating young people about the dangers of illicit opioids and
equipping them to save lives is critical to protecting Arkansans'
LITTLE ROCK - Attorney General Tim Griffin issued the following statement after joining University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) Chancellor Dr. C. Lowry Barnes today to launch the One Pill Can Kill initiative at UAMS:
"UAMSis the 15th college campus and 20th training in Arkansas to join our One Pill Can Kill initiative. Through this initiative, students learn about the dangers of illicit opioids, how to recognize the signs of an overdose, and how to administer naloxone to potentially save a life.
"UAMS plays a critical role in educating and training Arkansas's future healthcare professionals. Educating young people about the dangers of illicit opioids and equipping them to save lives is critical to protecting Arkansans. Bringing One Pill Can Kill to this campus provides an opportunity to equip students with knowledge and tools that can make a difference not only in their own lives but also in the lives of the patients and communities they will serve.
"Since launching One Pill Can Kill in 2024, we have trained thousands of students across Arkansas. A single counterfeit pill containing fentanyl can be deadly, and too many young people remain unaware of the risks associated with illicit drugs. By continuing to raise awareness and providing students with the training to respond to an overdose, we are working to prevent tragedies and save lives."
Chancellor Barnes added the following statement:
"At UAMS, our mission has always been about more than treatment -- it's about prevention, research, education, and service. That's why this partnership is so meaningful to us. Through this initiative, we are helping bring accurate information, practical training, and life-saving tools directly to students and young adults across Arkansas, empowering them not only to protect themselves, but to protect one another."
To download a PDF version of this release, click here.
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Original text here: https://arkansasag.gov/news-release/attorney-general-griffin-launches-one-pill-can-kill-initiative-at-the-university-of-arkansas-for-medical-sciences/
AG Sunday's Insurance Fraud Section Charges Father, Son in Lehigh Valley-Based 'Chop Shop' Scheme Involving Stolen Vehicles
HARRISBURG, Pennsylvania, Oct. 26 -- Pennsylvania Attorney General David W. Sunday issued the following news:
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AG Sunday's Insurance Fraud Section Charges Father, Son in Lehigh Valley-Based 'Chop Shop' Scheme Involving Stolen Vehicles
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HARRISBURG -- Attorney General Dave Sunday announced the takedown of a Lehigh County-based "chop shop" scheme, with charges against a father and son who engaged in illegal titling and sales of stolen vehicles with counterfeit documents.
Jermaine Quinones Sr., 42, and Jermaine Quinones Jr., 18, are each charged with numerous felonies, including corrupt
... Show Full Article
HARRISBURG, Pennsylvania, Oct. 26 -- Pennsylvania Attorney General David W. Sunday issued the following news:
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AG Sunday's Insurance Fraud Section Charges Father, Son in Lehigh Valley-Based 'Chop Shop' Scheme Involving Stolen Vehicles
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HARRISBURG -- Attorney General Dave Sunday announced the takedown of a Lehigh County-based "chop shop" scheme, with charges against a father and son who engaged in illegal titling and sales of stolen vehicles with counterfeit documents.
Jermaine Quinones Sr., 42, and Jermaine Quinones Jr., 18, are each charged with numerous felonies, including corruptorganizations, theft by deception, washing vehicle titles, and insurance fraud.
The older Quinones was arrested earlier this month at his Allentown home. He was arraigned on the charges and bail was set at $450,000 cash.
Jermaine Quinones Jr. was arrested Thursday. At arraignment, bail was set at $100,000.
According to a collaborative investigation between the Office of Attorney General's Insurance Fraud Section, Pennsylvania State Police, and Monroe County Detectives, the father and son ran a chop shop throughout 2026, "washing" titles of vehicles that were known to be stolen with VINs and other information not belonging to the stolen vehicles.
Many of the vehicles were sold on Facebook Marketplace.
"This criminal conduct is harmful in many ways, as it defrauds the Commonwealth's vehicle titling system and insurance providers, and unsuspecting buyers who are left with 'dirty' vehicles," Attorney General Sunday said. "The vehicle titling and registration system exists to protect consumers and insurance providers, and ensure vehicles on Commonwealth roadways are safe."
Many of the vehicles were new and of high value, including 2026 model Infiniti QX60 ($67,599 value), Acura Integra ($35,950), and two Ford Mustangs ($32,640 and $31,890).
Between 2025 and 2026, investigators identified sales of 12 vehicles with washed paperwork, valued at nearly $500,000.
When taking Quinones Sr into custody, investigators seized a semiautomatic rifle. He is not permitted to possess firearms due to a prior felony conviction.
The case will be prosecuted by Senior Deputy Attorney General Joseph Sembrot and Deputy Attorney General Jose Perez of the Insurance Fraud Section. Criminal charges, and any discussion thereof, are merely allegations and all defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
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Original text here: https://www.attorneygeneral.gov/taking-action/ag-sundays-insurance-fraud-section-charges-father-son-in-lehigh-valley-based-chop-shop-scheme-involving-stolen-vehicles/
Tenn. Economic Dept.: Valmont Industries to Expand Manufacturing Presence in Marion County
NASHVILLE, Tennessee, Oct. 25 -- The Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development issued the following news:
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Valmont Industries to Expand Manufacturing Presence in Marion County
October 23, 2026
NASHVILLE, Tenn. - Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee, Deputy Gov. and Department of Economic and Community Development Commissioner Stuart C. McWhorter and Valmont Industries officials announced today the company will further expand its Marion County facility.
As part of the expansion, Valmont will create 84 new jobs and invest $45 million in Jasper, Tennessee, to increase production of its
... Show Full Article
NASHVILLE, Tennessee, Oct. 25 -- The Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development issued the following news:
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Valmont Industries to Expand Manufacturing Presence in Marion County
October 23, 2026
NASHVILLE, Tenn. - Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee, Deputy Gov. and Department of Economic and Community Development Commissioner Stuart C. McWhorter and Valmont Industries officials announced today the company will further expand its Marion County facility.
As part of the expansion, Valmont will create 84 new jobs and invest $45 million in Jasper, Tennessee, to increase production of itsengineered steel transmission, distribution and substation structures for the utility industry. Demand for these structures is growing as utility companies build the infrastructure needed to support increased power needs.
Today's announcement marks an extension of a previous Valmont expansion announced in 2024, when the company pledged to create 80 new jobs and invest more than $6 million. Valmont met its job goal nearly three years early, allowing for additional growth and leading to today's announcement.
In 2019, the company became the first manufacturing facility in Tennessee to establish a welding pre-apprenticeship program at local high schools. Since then, more than 80 students have completed the program with an average of 65-70% of graduates being hired for full-time employment at the Jasper facility.
Founded in 1946 in Valley, Nebraska, Valmont manufactures engineered structures for critical infrastructure, as well as center pivot irrigation systems and related technology. Today, the company is headquartered in Omaha, Nebraska, and employs more than 11,000 employees across 21 different countries on six continents.
QUOTES
"All of Tennessee succeeds when rural Tennessee succeeds, and I'm proud to celebrate not just today's announcement but also in the success Valmont has experienced in our state the past few years. We're proud of our efforts to make Tennessee the best place to live, work and raise a family, and we're glad this company's leadership recognized that." - Gov. Bill Lee
"This project represents exactly what we are looking for in Tennessee: a successful company that continues to expand, a strong commitment to a rural community and, perhaps most importantly, an outstanding partnership with local schools to train future workers. When I think of the types of companies we're proud to partner with in Tennessee, Valmont is one of the first that comes to mind. Thank you to their leadership for their continued trust in our state, and I look forward to their success throughout the future." - Deputy Gov. and TNECD Commissioner Stuart C. McWhorter
"Expanding in Jasper allows us to build on the strength of our team and their track record of performance. We're proud of the investments we've made to develop the skilled workforce that makes this growth possible through our pre-apprenticeship program. This expansion will help us meet our customers' growing needs for utility infrastructure to support a stronger grid while contributing to economic growth in the region." - Chris Colwell, president, infrastructure, Valmont Industries
"TVA and Sequatchie Valley Electric Cooperative congratulate Valmont on its decision to expand operations in Marion County. We are proud to partner with Marion County Government and the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development in our shared commitment to fostering job opportunities and investment in the region and to support companies like Valmont in its continued business success here in the Valley." - Heidi Smith, vice president of economic development, TVA
"Valmont is a big asset for Marion County. They provide good-paying jobs and have started one of the first apprenticeship programs in the state for high school juniors and seniors. We were very excited to learn that Valmont officials selected the Jasper plant for their expansion, which will bring more good-paying jobs and gives our citizens an opportunity to work at home instead of having to travel out of the county. We look forward to continued growth at Valmont, and we are proud they call Marion County home." - Marion County Mayor David Jackson
"Valmont's continued growth and investment in Jasper reflect the strength of Marion County's workforce and will bring 84 new jobs to our community. I especially appreciate the company's work with local high schools to help students gain valuable skills and build careers close to home." - Sen. Todd Gardenhire (R-Chattanooga)
"Valmont is a valued community partner that has made a lasting impact on dozens of local students through its pre-apprenticeship program. I'm thrilled to see the company continue to grow in Jasper, creating quality opportunities for local families and strengthening Marion County's reputation as a manufacturing powerhouse." - Rep. Iris Rudder (R-Winchester)
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About Valmont Industries
For more than 80 years, Valmont has been a global leader that provides products and solutions to support vital infrastructure and advance agricultural productivity. We are committed to customer-focused innovation that delivers lasting value. Learn more about how we're Conserving Resources. Improving Life.(R) at valmont.com.
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About the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development (TNECD)
TNECD is the state's primary agency committed to fostering economic growth through job creation and community development. By attracting new corporate investment and facilitating the growth of existing businesses, the department works to strengthen Tennessee's competitive landscape. Additionally, TNECD strives to increase the economic prosperity for all Tennesseans by providing grants to communities statewide, helping them to become vibrant, business-friendly environments where companies can flourish. For more information, visit us at tnecd.com. Join the conversation on X, Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook and YouTube.
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Original text here: https://tnecd.com/news/valmont-industries-to-expand-manufacturing-presence-in-marion-county/
Ala. Economic & Community Affairs Dept.: Gov. Ivey Announces $425,000 Grant to Blountsville for Urgent Infrastructure Repairs
MONTGOMERY, Alabama, Oct. 24 -- The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs issued the following news:
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Gov. Ivey announces $425,000 grant to Blountsville for urgent infrastructure repairs
October 23, 2026
MONTGOMERY - Gov. Kay Ivey has announced a $425,000 grant to make emergency repairs to the town of Blountsville's sewer system.
The funds from the Appalachian Regional Commission will be used to stabilize the soil beneath the 18-acre sewer lagoon that is used to treat the town's wastewater. Sinkholes have twice formed beneath the lagoon, resulting in millions of gallons
... Show Full Article
MONTGOMERY, Alabama, Oct. 24 -- The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs issued the following news:
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Gov. Ivey announces $425,000 grant to Blountsville for urgent infrastructure repairs
October 23, 2026
MONTGOMERY - Gov. Kay Ivey has announced a $425,000 grant to make emergency repairs to the town of Blountsville's sewer system.
The funds from the Appalachian Regional Commission will be used to stabilize the soil beneath the 18-acre sewer lagoon that is used to treat the town's wastewater. Sinkholes have twice formed beneath the lagoon, resulting in millions of gallonsof untreated wastewater leaking into the aquifer that is the main source of water for both the town and the Blount County Water Authority. The Alabama Department of Environmental Management mandated the repairs.
"This project is critical to securing public health in the area, protecting the environment and setting the stage for future economic growth in Blountsville," Gov. Ivey said. "I am pleased to announce these funds for a project that will help ensure the town can provide clean water to area residents on a consistent basis."
A survey of the land beneath the sewer lagoon uncovered 18 areas where additional sinkholes could form, causing more untreated wastewater to leak into the water supply. Local leaders said the town has experienced some recent economic growth thanks to its proximity to Huntsville and must resolve the wastewater issues for progress to continue.
The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs administers the ARC program in Alabama. The ARC grant will be used in conjunction with a $425,000 Community Development Block Grant awarded by Gov. Ivey in June to support the same project. The Utilities Board of the Town of Blountsville will provide an additional $105,000 toward the effort.
"Thanks to the state's partnership with the ARC, Gov. Ivey and ADECA are able to work with local leaders to provide the funds needed for this critical project," ADECA Director Kenneth Boswell said. "ADECA joins Gov. Ivey in commending those leaders for developing a plan to remedy this issue."
Gov. Ivey notified Blountsville Mayor Mike Glass that the grant had been approved.
ARC is an economic development agency of the federal government and 13 state governments. The agency's mission is to innovate, partner, and invest to build community capacity and strengthen economic growth in Appalachia to help the region achieve socioeconomic parity with the nation. Thirty-seven Alabama counties, including Blount County, are part of the ARC region and eligible for funds.
ADECA manages a range of programs that support law enforcement, economic development, recreation, energy conservation and water resource management.
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Original text here: https://adeca.alabama.gov/2026/10/23/gov-ivey-announces-425000-grant-to-blountsville-for-urgent-infrastructure-repairs/
