Christmas is coming early for the 1,200 citizens of the town of Steele.The Steele Water Board has received a $400,000 water grant from Gov. Bob Riley to replace all of the old existing 6-inch cast-iron lines that run through the middle of town that have been there since the 1950s.
State Rep. Blaine Galliher presented the grant to Steele officials last week. The Steele Water Board had applied for this grant through the state numerous times in the past and finally received it.
“We have had problems with the water being dirty because of corrosion in these old lines,” said Steele Mayor John McHugh. “This new project will hopefully correct this problem.”
The main line that will be replaced runs through the middle of town on U.S. 11.
McHugh said this means better quality of water and a better way of life for Steele and its citizens.
“That has been the main complaint from people for the past eight years when the water got dingy,” McHugh said. “This is good for the town of Steele and something we will all benefit from.”
There is a matching part to this grant in the amount of $72,000 the Steele Water Board will have to come up with.
Galliher said the town of Steele did all the work by going out and gathering all the statistical data.
“Several years ago, Mrs. Wanda Wilcox initiated the grant request,” said Galliher. “It’s just a matter of going down there (Montgomery) and arguing while putting forth the best lobbying effort you can for your town. We were able to do that and were able to secure the grant. A $400,000 grant to a small town like Steele is all the difference in the world because they do not have the tax base to be able to do that without the grant.”
Galliher said he and Steele officials are going to approach Congressman Robert Aderholt to seek some additional federal funds to complete this project. Galliher and Steele officials believe another $200,000 would complete the project and redo everything.
“Without the hard work and leadership of Mayor McHugh, the water board and the council, none of this would have taken place,” Galliher said. “All of the credit goes to them. My part is just to go down there and fuss, fight and argue with the director and make sure their voice is heard. They really did all of the work — I’m just happy to be a part of it.”
Wilcox said they had applied for this water grant four times but had been turned down for various reasons.
“This time, we were assured that we looked good from the very beginning,” Wilcox said. “We are very thankful for our grant writer Betty Lofton.
“The people in Steele were very good. I sent out some questionnaires and they mailed them back in with the information we needed. Everybody was helpful and cooperative. We are so appreciative to the town for their input and it enabled us to get the grant.
“We’re thankful to Mr. Galliher and everyone in Steele who worked so hard on this project. I’m glad this is finally becoming a reality.”
