The city of Fairhope is moving forward with a major water infrastructure project directed at improving and adding a surplus to the city’s water system. 

The Baldwin County Commission has approved a $2 million Community Development Block Grant-Disaster Recovery Local Government Recovery Infrastructure Program (CDBG-DR/LGRIP) partner contract for the city of Fairhope Fish River water expansion project. The project includes construction of a new 12-inch water main loop east of Fish River.

The new line will create an alternate feed for the water system, giving Fairhope Public Utilities greater flexibility to keep up and maintain service during emergencies, repairs and scheduled maintenance. 

“This project is about building more reliability into our water system,” Mayor Sherry Sullivan said. “Creating another connection gives our Water Department more flexibility when maintenance or unexpected issues occur, while also strengthening the system for the future. We are extremely grateful to the Baldwin County Commission, ADECA and everyone who helped make this funding possible.”

The project is expected to cost about $2.9 million. The grant will provide $2 million, with the city of Fairhope funding the remainder of the cost. 

The funding is part of the Community Development Block Grant-Disaster program, which supports long-term recovery from hurricanes Sally and Zeta.The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs is administering CDBG-DR funding, made available to the state by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Baldwin County received a separate allocation for long-term recovery efforts and is partnering with Fairhope on the project.

“The City appreciates the Baldwin County Commission for recognizing the importance of this project and working with us to invest in infrastructure that will serve our community for years to come,” Sullivan said.

Gabriella Chavez is a Report for America corps member who writes about growth and development in Baldwin County and our natural spaces for Gulf Coast Media. Your donation to match our RFA grant helps keep her writing stories like this one; please consider making a tax-deductible gift of any amount today.