Read the latest news from the RPCGB
Economic Development
RPCGB awarded an EPA Brownfields Assessment Grant
The RPCGB has been awarded a $500,000 EPA Brownfields Assessment Grant. This grant allows RPC and its partners to inventory, characterize, assess, conduct a range of planning activities, develop site-specific cleanup plans, and conduct community involvement related to brownfield sites. RPC will be partnering with PM Environmental, Jefferson County, Walker County, and the City of Cordova for this ongoing project.
Economic Impact Modeling Program
The RPCGB Economic Development Department has launched a new Economic Impact Modeling program. With this program we can model specific impacts of economic development projects within communities using IMPLAN Economic Software. From these analyses, member governments will be able to better understand small- and large-scale effects of their projects and more effectively plan future development efforts. For more information on this program, please contact Sarah Thomas, Economic Development Coordinator at sthomas@rpcgb.org.
Current grant and funding opportunities:
Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs (ADECA)Community Development Block Grant (CDGB) Program
Deadline: Noon, July 18, 2022
More Information: https://adeca.alabama.gov/cdbg/cdbg-application-manual/
Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC)
Deadline: Noon, July 18, 2022
Grant Ceiling: $350,000
More Information: https://adeca.alabama.gov/arc/arc-application-information/
ADECA Alabama Community Broadband and Technical Assistance Program
The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs (ADECA) is planning to kick off the Alabama Community Broadband Technical Assistance Program (ACB TAP), a competitive program that will provide technical assistance for communities seeking to expand broadband infrastructure and services in response to the critical need for internet access around the state. To kick off the project, ADECA is holding three webinars to provide information about ACB TAP, broadband infrastructure, and recent federal broadband funding. Separate registration for each session is required; click the links to register.
June 30, 2022, from 12:00 p.m. – 12:45 p.m. CT
This webinar explains the fundamentals of broadband infrastructure, technology, and strategy for communities.
Alabama Community Broadband Technical Assistance Program Webinar:
June 30, 2022, at 1:00 p.m. – 1:45 p.m. CT
This webinar explains ACB TAP and the upcoming Technical Assistance Application.
Federal Broadband Funding Webinar:
June 30, 2022, at 2:00 p.m. – 2:45 p.m. CT
This webinar explains the updated federal broadband funding landscape given recent information on the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.
If your community or organization needs grant writing or application assistance, RPCGB is here to help. For questions about funding application assistance, please contact Jesslan Wilson, Economic Development Specialist, at jwilson@rpcgb.org or 205-264-8417.
Projects recently completed or adopted:
Morris Master Plan:
The Morris Planning and Zoning Board adopted the city’s first master plan earlier this month. Visit the project website at www.MorrisMasterPlan.com to learn more and view the plan.
Fairfield Master Plan:
In March of this year, the Fairfield Planning and Zoning Commission adopted the new master plan, which was developed by a consultant team led by PlaceMakers LLC.
The plan focuses on three main topics: enhancing economic development, addressing abandoned and dilapidated housing in the Inter Urban Heights neighborhood, and infrastructure improvements.
Visit the project website at www.FairfieldMasterPlan.com to learn more and read the plan.
Irondale Comprehensive Plan Update:
In December 2021, the Irondale Planning and Zoning Board adopted this update to the city’s 2016 Irondale on the Move Comprehensive Plan.
The consulting firm of KPS assisted the RPCGB with creating redevelopment and policy ideas for three focus areas: Downtown Irondale, Grants Mill Station, and the I-459 at Grants Mill Road area.
Click the link here to read the plan or visit the City's website at https://cityofirondaleal.gov/community/irondales-new-comprehensive-plan/