Brilliant, Wallace State receive ARC grants

Congressman Robert Aderholt has announced the approval of two Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) grants - one to the Town of Brilliant in Marion County for road infrastructure to enhance development of the Gateway I-22 Industrial Park project and another for Wallace State Community College’s truck driver training expansion project.
For the Town of Brilliant, ARC grant funding of $289,115 will be used to extend an access road into the Gateway I-22 West Industrial Park. Local sources are providing $470,995, bringing the project total to $760,110.
For Wallace State Community College, $288,810 was awarded for the truck driver training expansion project to support 300 workers/trainees’ enrollment and completion of the training program and 270 who have completed and are looking to find employment.
The project will expand Wallace State’s existing truck driver training program to better prepare workers for in-demand careers in north-central Alabama. The expanded program will help workers gain skills needed for commercial driving careers. ARC funds will support the purchase of specialized training equipment, expanded program outreach and dump truck training for current drivers.
In addition to ARC funds, local sources are providing $288,810, bringing the project total to $577,620.
“These ARC investments strengthen our communities by improving critical infrastructure, expanding workforce training and opening the door to new economic opportunities across Alabama’s Fourth District,” said Aderholt. “By preparing workers for in‑demand careers and making our industrial sites development‑ready, we are building long‑term growth that benefits families, employers, and local economies alike.”

The Appalachian Regional Commission is an economic development partnership of the federal government and 13 state governments focused on strengthening economic growth and opportunity across the Appalachian region. ARC’s grant programs are funded through appropriations approved annually by Congress.