Cleburne, AL – Cleburne County will receive a $500,000 state grant to help rebuild a heavily traveled bridge destroyed during an August rainstorm that caused severe flooding along Knokes Creek. Governor Kay Ivey announced the award through the state’s urgent need Community Development Block Grant program, noting the damage has created daily hardships for residents and significant delays for emergency services.
The bridge, located on Cleburne County Road 10 east of Ranburne, was washed out after more than one foot of rain fell in less than 24 hours. The flooding caused Knokes Creek to overflow, sending fast-moving water across the structure and eroding both the bridge and the surrounding roadway. County officials estimated that more than 500 vehicles use the road each day, including commercial trucks. Since the bridge collapse, commuters and emergency responders have been forced to take lengthy detours between U.S. Highway 431 and County Road 46.
“While we can be as prepared as we can, we all know too well that the forces of nature often come suddenly and forcefully and create havoc in their path,” Gov. Ivey said. “I am pleased to award these funds that will help support the Cleburne County Commission as it goes about the task of rebuilding this bridge.”
The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs is administering the grant. ADECA Director Kenneth Boswell emphasized that grants awarded under the urgent need fund are limited and reserved for situations in which communities face unexpected, isolated disasters.
“Community Development Block Grants awarded under the urgent need fund are special and rare grants provided to help communities get back on their feet after an isolated disaster,” Boswell said. “ADECA is pleased to join Gov. Ivey in this project.”
Governor Ivey has notified Lane Kilgore, chairman of the Cleburne County Commission, of the grant’s approval. The county will contribute nearly $600,000 in matching funds to complete the bridge reconstruction.
