Good Morning,
City leadership is proud to announce that Anniston has been awarded a $350,000 Rebuild Alabama Grant to support the development of the Summerall Subdivision, a 38-acre retail site along McClellan Boulevard in north Anniston. This grant is a significant milestone in the city’s ongoing efforts to foster economic growth through strategic partnerships and infrastructural improvements.
Governor Kay Ivey announced Thursday morning that $3.9 million in state funding is being allocated to various road and bridge projects across Alabama, with Anniston being one of only 12 entities to receive funding in this round. The Rebuild Alabama Act, passed in 2019, mandates that the Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT) set aside a minimum of $10 million annually from new gas tax revenue for local projects.
“The Summerall Subdivision project is a prime example of a successful public-private partnership, involving the City of Anniston, ALDOT, Blackwater Resources (the site developer), and The Retail Coach (our retail recruiting partner). The development will see an investment exceeding $15 million for infrastructure enhancements. This will benefit not only Anniston but our entire county and region,” stated Anniston City Manager Steven D. Folks.
The project’s success is also attributed to the collaborative efforts of our city staff, City Planning and Economic Development Director Toby Bennington, ALDOT’s DeJarvis Leonard and Director Cooper, and consulting engineer Jim Meads from Sain & Associates. Their concerted efforts ensured the project’s selection for the Governor's award.
The Summerall Subdivision currently hosts an Aldi grocery store, with further development anticipated. The grant will help cover the $3.5 million cost of the roads and access points, combining contributions from the city and Blackwater Development. Work crews are expected to be on-site within the next several months, with plans presented to the city and contracts awarded by ALDOT.
State Sen. Keith Kelley, R-Anniston, praised the project for providing necessary infrastructure for future development. “Rebuild Alabama grants and the program overall have provided many opportunities. I’m always happy to assist with projects that help to bring jobs to our area,” Kelley said.
Since the passage of the Rebuild Alabama Act, over $12 million in state transportation funding has been awarded through this annual grant program, benefiting local projects in all 67 counties. With another round of funding yet to come, Anniston is poised for continued growth and development.
Thank you!
Best Regards,
Jackson Hodges
Public Relations Director
City of Anniston