Alabama Gov. Ivey allocates $500K for Walker County project

MONTGOMERY, Ala. ( WIAT ) — Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey allocated a $500,000 grant to help bring new jobs to Walker County.

According to the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs on Wednesday, the Community Development Block Grant will supply material needed for the construction of a Love’s Travel Stop and Country Store at the intersection of I-22 and Flat Creek Road, also known as Walker County Highway 81.

Love’s is planning to hire almost 50 people for the store when it opens. The gas station will feature a convenience store and fast food chain. The Love’s store will also include full truck services, supplies, showers and an RV dump station.

The business will be open 24 hours a day. The 50-acre development on which the Love’s station is being built on is the site of a reclaimed mining area.

“Interstate 22 has been a magnet for new businesses and commerce for Alabama cities and counties along its path since it opened in 2016,” Ivey said in a statement. “This project is a win for the city of Dora and Walker County, and I am pleased to award this grant.”

Funds will go toward extending sewer service 4.5 miles from Dora to I-22 and the Love’s. The project will also include constructing two pump stations. The ADECA is administering the grant from U.S. Department of Housing and Devlopment funds. Local leaders think the development could help increase the number of businesses in the area.

The city of Dora pledged $402,500 for the project, and more funding is anticipated.

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