$200,000 grant to help Henagar repair tornado-damaged roads

HENGAR, Al. (WDEF) —  Henagar will soon begin repairs on several city streets after receiving a $200,000 grant from Alabama Governor Kay Ivey.

The funds came from a Community Development Block Grant Urgent Need award, aimed at helping communities recover from natural disasters.

The money will go toward fixing roads damaged by two tornadoes that struck DeKalb County on May 8 and 9, 2024.

“Unfortunately, tornadoes are no strangers to Alabama, but experiencing two tornadoes touching down in the same area within a 24-hour period is extremely rare.  While the damage was severe in DeKalb County, I am thankful that there were no fatalities or serious injuries.  These funds will help Henagar repair 5.2 miles of city streets that were made unsafe by the storms and the subsequent recovery operations.”

-Governor Kay Ivey

The EF1 and EF3 tornadoes caused widespread damage, with winds reaching up to 140 mph.

Recovery efforts, including months of debris removal, also took a toll on local roads due to heavy truck traffic.

Repairs will include resurfacing all of Dr. John Elliot Drive, along with sections of Lacy Road, Wright Road, and Troxel Road.

The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs (ADECA) is managing the grant, which is funded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

“ADECA joins Gov. Ivey in support of this project that will make these roads in Henagar safe again for residents, postal carriers, emergency vehicles, school buses, and all who travel on it.”

-Kenneth Boswell, ADECA Director

Governor Ivey confirmed the grant approval in a letter to Henagar Mayor Lee Davis. The city will also contribute $55,110 in local funding to the project.