Featured Stories
Tenn. Economic Dept.: Dometic to Expand Manufacturing Operations in White County
NASHVILLE, Tennessee, Aug. 21 -- The Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development issued the following news on Aug. 20, 2026:
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Dometic to Expand Manufacturing Operations in White County
Highlights
* Global outdoor technology company to create 90+ new jobs in Sparta
* Expansion includes relocation of mechanical steering and helm manufacturing facility
* Project represents a multimillion-dollar investment
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Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee, Deputy Gov. and Department of Economic and Community Development Commissioner Stuart C. McWhorter and Dometic officials announced today the
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NASHVILLE, Tennessee, Aug. 21 -- The Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development issued the following news on Aug. 20, 2026:
* * *
Dometic to Expand Manufacturing Operations in White County
Highlights
* Global outdoor technology company to create 90+ new jobs in Sparta
* Expansion includes relocation of mechanical steering and helm manufacturing facility
* Project represents a multimillion-dollar investment
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Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee, Deputy Gov. and Department of Economic and Community Development Commissioner Stuart C. McWhorter and Dometic officials announced today thecompany will expand its manufacturing operations in White County.
Dometic will create 90+ new positions and invest in White County as part of the expansion of its existing manufacturing facility in Sparta. The project includes the relocation of steering and helm manufacturing operations from Pennsylvania to Tennessee, further strengthening the company's manufacturing presence in the state.
The Sparta facility manufactures marine products as part of Dometic's global Marine business. Upon completion of the project, the expansion will increase manufacturing capacity while supporting the company's continued growth in Tennessee.
Today's announcement builds on Dometic's longstanding manufacturing presence in Tennessee. Following completion of the expansion, Dometic will employ more than 300 people across the state.
QUOTES
"Global brands like Dometic continue to choose Tennessee because of our low taxes, business-friendly environment and highly skilled workforce. Dometic's commitment to creating more than 90 new jobs demonstrates their confidence in the Volunteer State, and I look forward to their continued success here." - Gov. Bill Lee
"One of the strongest indicators of Tennessee's business climate is when companies already operating here choose to expand. Dometic's continued investment in White County reflects the value existing industries see in our workforce, partnerships and long-term economic strategy. We appreciate Dometic's continued commitment to Tennessee and look forward to supporting the company's future growth." - Deputy Gov. and TNECD Commissioner Stuart C. McWhorter
"This investment reflects Dometic's long-term commitment to our marine business and to manufacturing in Tennessee. Expanding our Sparta operations allows us to bring additional capabilities together in one location, strengthen our manufacturing footprint and better support our customers as we continue to grow. We appreciate the partnership of the State of Tennessee, White County and the Upper Cumberland region and look forward to welcoming new team members to Dometic." - Eric Fetchko, marine segment president, Dometic
"TVA and Sparta Electric & Public Works congratulate Dometic on its plans to expand operations in White County. We are proud to partner with the Highlands Economic Partnership and the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development in our shared commitment to job creation in the region and to support companies like Dometic in its continued business success." - Heidi Smith, vice president of economic development, TVA
"Dometic's decision to expand in Sparta and bring over 90 new jobs to White County is a strong vote of confidence in our workforce and business climate. This investment will create new opportunities for local families, and I appreciate Dometic's continued commitment to growing in Tennessee." - Sen. Paul Bailey (R-Sparta)
"Tennessee's conservative policies continue to attract business investment and create quality opportunities for families in our community. Dometic has been a valued part of Sparta's local economy for many years, and I'm excited the company has chosen to expand its operations here. This project will create dozens of new jobs and help make White County an even better place to call home." - Rep. Paul Sherrell (R-Sparta)
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About Dometic
Dometic is a global outdoor technology company dedicated to making mobile living easy. Leveraging our core expertise in cooling, heating, power and electronics, mobility and space optimization, we enable more people to connect with nature and enjoy a greater sense of freedom outdoors. We do this by designing smart, sustainable and reliable products with outstanding design. Millions of people worldwide use our solutions while camping or exploring nature in RVs, boats and cars. Our portfolio includes installed products for land vehicles and boats, as well as standalone solutions for outdoor enthusiasts. We employ approximately 7,000 people globally and sell our products in more than 100 countries. In 2025, we reported net sales of SEK 21 billion (USD 2.3 billion) and are headquartered in Stockholm, Sweden.
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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/dometic-to-expand-manufacturing-operations-in-white-county/
N.M. Health Care Authority: Public Notice - Behavioral Health Reform & Investment Act Executive Committee Meeting
SANTA FE, New Mexico, Aug. 21 -- The New Mexico Health Care Authority issued the following public notice:
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Public Notice: Behavioral Health Reform & Investment Act Executive Committee Meeting
Date: Wednesday, September 2, 2026 | 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Location: New Mexico State Capitol Bldg., 490 Old Santa Fe Trail, Room 322, Santa Fe, NM 87507
Public Entry Notice: The New Mexico State Capitol is currently under construction. All public entry has been moved to the Capitol North Annex.
The New Mexico Health Care Authority and the Administrative Office of the Courts announce a meeting
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SANTA FE, New Mexico, Aug. 21 -- The New Mexico Health Care Authority issued the following public notice:
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Public Notice: Behavioral Health Reform & Investment Act Executive Committee Meeting
Date: Wednesday, September 2, 2026 | 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Location: New Mexico State Capitol Bldg., 490 Old Santa Fe Trail, Room 322, Santa Fe, NM 87507
Public Entry Notice: The New Mexico State Capitol is currently under construction. All public entry has been moved to the Capitol North Annex.
The New Mexico Health Care Authority and the Administrative Office of the Courts announce a meetingof the Executive Committee established under the Behavioral Health Reform and Investment Act (Senate Bill 3). This Committee oversees the ongoing implementation of SB3 (2025), including statewide coordination, regional planning, and progress toward building a stronger behavioral health system. It brings together leaders from all three branches of government, along with community partners, to support a more responsive and equitable system of care. Public participation is encouraged as we continue this work on behalf of all New Mexicans.
Join via Zoom
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86961327453?pwd=wwhV6xoDsjaSTgCafdwIkyNa4DJ8gn.1
Meeting ID: 869 6132 7453
Passcode: 690928
One tap mobile:
+16694449171,,86961327453#,,,,*690928# US
+16699006833,,86961327453#,,,,*690928# US (San Jose)
NOTICE TO PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES: If you are an individual with a disability who is in need of a reader, amplifier, qualified sign language interpreter or any other form of auxiliary aid or service to attend or participate in the hearing or meeting, please contact Kathryn Nun at kathryn.nun@hca.nm.gov at least one week prior to the meeting or as soon as possible. Public documents, including the agenda and minutes, can be provided in various accessible formats. Contact Kathryn Nun a at kathryn.nun@hca.nm.gov if a summary or other type of accessible format is needed.
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Original text here: https://www.hca.nm.gov/public-information-and-communications/newsroom/
Miss. Education Dept.: 2025-26 State Academic Assessment Program Scores Show Mixed Results, With Continued Gains in Science
JACKSON, Mississippi, Aug. 21 -- The Mississippi Department of Education issued the following news release on Aug. 20, 2026:
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2025-26 Mississippi Academic Assessment Program scores show mixed results, with continued gains in science
Today, the Mississippi Department of Education (MDE) released the 2025-26 Mississippi Academic Assessment Program (MAAP) results, which showed continued growth in science, stable performance in English Language Arts (ELA) and a slight decline in mathematics proficiency.
The percentages of students scoring proficient or advanced in 2025-26 are 47.5% in ELA,
... Show Full Article
JACKSON, Mississippi, Aug. 21 -- The Mississippi Department of Education issued the following news release on Aug. 20, 2026:
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2025-26 Mississippi Academic Assessment Program scores show mixed results, with continued gains in science
Today, the Mississippi Department of Education (MDE) released the 2025-26 Mississippi Academic Assessment Program (MAAP) results, which showed continued growth in science, stable performance in English Language Arts (ELA) and a slight decline in mathematics proficiency.
The percentages of students scoring proficient or advanced in 2025-26 are 47.5% in ELA,53.9% in mathematics and 64.1% in science.
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Chart: Three-year Trend Students Scoring Proficient or Advanced
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Pass rates were mixed among the state's Grade 3 initial reading assessment and end-of-course assessments, with English II and Biology showing the most growth.
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Chart: Three-year Trend Percentage of Students Passing
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"We take these results seriously, and there's clear work ahead to continue to improve student outcomes," said Dr. Lance Evans, state superintendent of education. "With the state's commitment to high academic standards and our new investment in improving math and adolescent literacy, we expect to see future growth across all subjects and grade levels."
MAAP measures students' progress toward academic goals that equip them with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in college and the workforce. Mississippi teachers helped develop MAAP tests, which align with the learning goals for Mississippi classrooms. MAAP measures student performance in ELA and mathematics in grades 3-8, science in grades 5 and 8, and in high school English II, Algebra I and Biology.
Four school districts ranked in the top 10 statewide for students scoring proficient or advanced in all three subject areas: Bay St. Louis-Waveland School District, Clinton Public School District, Grenada School District and Ocean Springs School District.
MDE continues to work with districts on strategies to improve student proficiency, including expanding the number of literacy and math coaches to support educators, encouraging the adoption of high-quality instructional materials, and supporting full implementation of literacy instruction based on the science of reading (SOR).
MAAP results make up a large portion of the A-F accountability grades that schools and districts earn annually. Accountability grades for the 2025-26 school year will be released at the October 15 Mississippi State Board of Education meeting.
Accountability grades for the 2025-26 school year will set a new baseline for measuring school and district performance because they will be based on new, higher standards. Therefore, grades for 2025-26 cannot be compared to previous years. Mississippi law requires the state to increase accountability standards when 75% of students are proficient or when 65% of schools or districts earn a grade of "B" or higher. Mississippi schools and districts reached that milestone in 2023. At that time, 74% of schools and 71% of districts had earned an A or B, up from just 37% for both in 2016.
Mississippi's education progress over the past decade continues to draw national attention. Results from the 2024 National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) showed Mississippi fourth-graders ranked 9th for reading and 16th for math, while posting the nation's largest gains since 2013. In 2025, the Annie E. Casey Foundation's KIDS COUNT(R) Data Book ranked Mississippi 16th in the nation for education, up from 48th in 2014.
View the MAAP Results Executive Summary and District- and School-level Results Report: mdek12.org/publicreporting/2025-26
Find all MDE news releases at mdek12.org/news.
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Original text here: https://mdek12.org/communications/2026/08/20/2025-26-mississippi-academic-assessment-program-scores-show-mixed-results-with-continued-gains-in-science/
Md. Health Dept. Announces Launch of Assisted Outpatient Treatment Program
BALTIMORE, Maryland, Aug. 21 -- The Maryland Department of Health issued the following news on Aug. 20, 2026:
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Maryland Department of Health announces launch of Assisted Outpatient Treatment program
Public awareness campaign begins in September, promotes program and participant referrals
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The Maryland Department of Health today announced the launch of the state's Assisted Outpatient Treatment program, a significant advancement in Maryland's behavioral healthcare services. Established by state legislation, the Assisted Outpatient Treatment program provides court-ordered support to individuals
... Show Full Article
BALTIMORE, Maryland, Aug. 21 -- The Maryland Department of Health issued the following news on Aug. 20, 2026:
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Maryland Department of Health announces launch of Assisted Outpatient Treatment program
Public awareness campaign begins in September, promotes program and participant referrals
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The Maryland Department of Health today announced the launch of the state's Assisted Outpatient Treatment program, a significant advancement in Maryland's behavioral healthcare services. Established by state legislation, the Assisted Outpatient Treatment program provides court-ordered support to individualswith severe mental illness who have had difficulty adhering to voluntary treatment. The program currently operates in Anne Arundel County, Baltimore City, and the Eastern Shore, with plans for full statewide implementation in July 2027.
"For many individuals living with severe mental illness, maintaining engagement and consistency in treatment can be a daily challenge," said Maryland Health Secretary Dr. Meena Seshamani. "The Assisted Outpatient Treatment program is designed to bridge the gap between an individual's struggle and effective, consistent care by creating a structured pathway to community-based treatment, stability and recovery."
The Department will kick off a multimedia public awareness campaign in September across the initial phase regions to connect with critical stakeholders, such as law enforcement, mental health facilities, case management, and care coordination.
"Our outreach highlights key resources and tools designed specifically for professionals in various fields," said Deputy Secretary for Behavioral Health Dr. Rachel Talley. "A core element of our statewide rollout centers on this awareness and training so that Maryland professionals can connect people in their communities with the support that this program provides. Through a collaborative, person-centered approach, we hope to empower participants to remain consistently engaged in their treatment, fostering long-term recovery and sustained stability."
Assisted Outpatient Treatment participants receive individualized, community-based support from a multidisciplinary Care Coordination Team that includes a psychiatrist, a case manager, a Certified Peer Recovery Specialist, and a program director. Services may include case management, peer support, treatment planning, referrals to behavioral health and substance use services, housing and transportation assistance, crisis coordination, medication management when appropriate, and other recovery supports identified in the treatment plan. Individuals are encouraged to participate in developing their treatment plan, identify preferred providers and supports, and receive services designed to promote stability, recovery, and successful participation in community life.
The Assisted Outpatient Treatment program follows over one year of thorough preparation, stakeholder collaboration, and workforce training carried out alongside the Maryland Judiciary, local behavioral health authorities, and community partners. Looking ahead, the Department's priorities will center on tracking participant results and program operations, delivering technical support to teams, and planning for upcoming expansions.
For more information about the Assisted Outpatient Treatment program, including access to educational resources, visit health.maryland.gov/TryAOT.
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Original text here: https://health.maryland.gov/newsroom/Pages/Maryland-Department-of-Health-announces-launch-of-Assisted-Outpatient-Treatment-program.aspx
Iowa Economic Development Authority: Fort Dodge's 720-Acre Industrial Park Certified as Development-Ready Site
DES MOINES, Iowa, Aug. 21 -- The Iowa Economic Development Authority issued the following news:
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Fort Dodge's 720-Acre Industrial Park Certified as Development-Ready Site
Iowa's Crossroads of Global Innovation, a 720-acre industrial park in Fort Dodge, has earned an Iowa Certified Site designation through the Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA), strengthening its ability to attract investment in bioscience, advanced manufacturing, renewable energy and other industrial sectors.
Located in Webster County within an established industrial corridor, the site includes approximately 720
... Show Full Article
DES MOINES, Iowa, Aug. 21 -- The Iowa Economic Development Authority issued the following news:
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Fort Dodge's 720-Acre Industrial Park Certified as Development-Ready Site
Iowa's Crossroads of Global Innovation, a 720-acre industrial park in Fort Dodge, has earned an Iowa Certified Site designation through the Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA), strengthening its ability to attract investment in bioscience, advanced manufacturing, renewable energy and other industrial sectors.
Located in Webster County within an established industrial corridor, the site includes approximately 720acres across multiple parcels near existing CJ Bio, Valero and Cargill operations. The site offers access to Iowa Highway 7, with U.S. Highway 20 approximately 6 miles to the south, and is adjacent to rail infrastructure operated by Canadian National Railway Company and Union Pacific, providing opportunities for future rail service to large tracts within the park.
The designation confirms that the site has completed extensive environmental reviews, infrastructure assessments and other due diligence, helping reduce risk and accelerate project timelines for companies considering expansion or relocation. The site includes approximately 700 developable acres, with utilities located adjacent to or near the property.
"Site certification shows that a community has done key preparation upfront to compete for new investment and jobs when opportunities arise," said Debi Durham, director of IEDA and the Iowa Finance Authority. "That can make all the difference when a company is looking for a place to grow. Fort Dodge has built a strong foundation for future growth, and this certification reflects the commitment it takes to be ready when the right project comes along."
Durham joined local leaders and economic development partners today for a ribbon-cutting ceremony celebrating the designation.
"Earning Iowa Certified Site designation is more than a milestone; it's a statement that the Fort Dodge region is ready and open for business," said Astra Ferris, chief executive officer of the Greater Fort Dodge Growth Alliance. "At Iowa's Crossroads of Global Innovation, this 720-acre ag park site certification reflects years of collaboration among our local governments, utility partners, educational institutions and landowners to ensure we attract and grow together."
Fort Dodge's certification was supported through the Iowa Rural Certified Site Initiative, created during the 2024 legislative session to help rural communities offset the costs of preparing industrial sites for certification and development. The Greater Fort Dodge Growth Alliance was one of five recipients selected in the initiative's inaugural funding round in 2025.
Since its launch in 2012, the Iowa Certified Site program has evolved alongside industry and site selection standards to become one of the most comprehensive in the nation. Certified sites in Iowa have attracted more than $2.3 billion in capital investment.
The certification process is overseen by Quest Site Solutions, a site selection firm based in Greenville, South Carolina. The independent review evaluates environmental, infrastructure and other site-readiness factors to ensure certified sites are prepared for investment.
To learn more about the Iowa Certified Site program and explore certified sites across the state, visit iowaeda.com/certifiedsites.
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Original text here: https://opportunityiowa.gov/press-release/2026-08-20/fort-dodges-720-acre-industrial-park-certified-development-ready-site
Colo. Secretary of State: Proposed Initiative #232 Qualifies for General Election Ballot
DENVER, Colorado, Aug. 21 -- The Colorado Secretary of State issued the following news release on Aug. 20, 2026:
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Proposed Initiative #232 Qualifies for General Election Ballot
The Elections Division of the Colorado Secretary of State's Office announced today that proponents of Proposed Initiative #232, "Income Tax Rate Cap," have submitted the required number of signatures to appear on the November 3, 2026 General Election Ballot.
Proposed Initiative #232 submitted 184,454 petition signatures. After reviewing a five-percent random sample of the submitted signatures, the Elections Division
... Show Full Article
DENVER, Colorado, Aug. 21 -- The Colorado Secretary of State issued the following news release on Aug. 20, 2026:
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Proposed Initiative #232 Qualifies for General Election Ballot
The Elections Division of the Colorado Secretary of State's Office announced today that proponents of Proposed Initiative #232, "Income Tax Rate Cap," have submitted the required number of signatures to appear on the November 3, 2026 General Election Ballot.
Proposed Initiative #232 submitted 184,454 petition signatures. After reviewing a five-percent random sample of the submitted signatures, the Elections Divisionprojected the number of valid signatures to be greater than 110 percent of the total number of signatures required for placement on the ballot.
Text of Proposed Initiative #232 (https://www.sos.state.co.us/pubs/elections/Initiatives/titleBoard/filings/2025-2026/232FinalCorrected.pdf)
Signature Requirement for Statewide Initiative Petitions (https://www.sos.state.co.us/pubs/elections/Initiatives/signatureRequirements.html). Signature requirements are outlined by Article V, Section 1 (3) of the Colorado Constitution and 1-40-116 of the Colorado Revised Statutes.
A copy of the petition is on file with the Secretary of State's office.
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Original text here: https://www.sos.state.co.us/pubs/newsRoom/pressReleases/2026/PR20260820Initiative232.html
Ala. Economic & Community Affairs Dept.: Gov. Ivey Announces $1 Million Grant for Water Tower to Serve New Developments in Dora
MONTGOMERY, Alabama, Aug. 21 -- The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs issued the following news:
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Gov. Ivey announces $1 million grant for water tower to serve new developments in Dora
The city of Dora will take a big step forward with redevelopment of a former coal mining site with help from a $1 million grant announced by Gov. Kay Ivey.
The Walker County city will use the funds from the Appalachian Regional Commission to build a 250,000-gallon water tower at the site of an abandoned coal mine. The tower will supply a development area called Heritage Landing, where
... Show Full Article
MONTGOMERY, Alabama, Aug. 21 -- The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs issued the following news:
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Gov. Ivey announces $1 million grant for water tower to serve new developments in Dora
The city of Dora will take a big step forward with redevelopment of a former coal mining site with help from a $1 million grant announced by Gov. Kay Ivey.
The Walker County city will use the funds from the Appalachian Regional Commission to build a 250,000-gallon water tower at the site of an abandoned coal mine. The tower will supply a development area called Heritage Landing, wherea new Love's Travel Center and Arby's restaurant opened earlier this year. The Heritage Landing site includes an additional 25 acres to accommodate further development. The water system is currently at capacity, city leaders said, so the water tower will serve any future businesses that locate there.
"With a prime location near Interstate 22, Dora is continuing to move forward to new opportunities," Gov. Ivey said. "This project is a big step toward revitalizing the area, and I commend city leaders for securing these funds and opening new avenues of economic development."
The money comes from ARC's Partnerships for Opportunity and Workforce and Economic Revitalization (POWER) Initiative, which provides funding for development projects in coal communities. The city had earlier received $3 million in federal funds through the Abandoned Mine Land Revitalization Program and has also received other ARC and Community Development Block Grant funds to assist with developing Heritage Landing.
The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs administers the ARC program in Alabama.
"This ongoing project has already created jobs, provided new retail opportunities for travelers on Interstate 22 and provided a source of needed revenue for the city, and I look forward to more development once the water tower is completed," ADECA Director Kenneth Boswell said. "ADECA joins Gov. Ivey and the Appalachian Regional Commission in support of this phase of the area's transformation."
Gov. Ivey notified Dora Mayor Marion Combs that the grant had been approved. Dora will contribute an additional $1 million to the water tower project.
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 Walker 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/2026/08/20/gov-ivey-announces-1-million-grant-for-water-tower-to-serve-new-developments-in-dora/
