The Commission’s Community Development Department provides technical assistance to local governments in the preparation and submission of grant applications and the management of grants. Grant programs on which the staff assists include Community Development Block Grants (CDBG), Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) grants, Economic Development Administration (EDA) grants, Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) grants, Recreational Trails Program (RTP) grants, COPS grants, and other programs. The Commission also prepares pre-applications for loans and grants for local governments under the USDA Rural Development Community Facility Loan Program, and for rural water departments and authorities under the Water and Waste Disposal Loan and Grant Program. USDA RD funding is frequently used to supplement other grant programs, such as ARC and CDBG. In addition, the Commission prepares Hazard Mitigation Grant Program applications for submission to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for cities and counties following Presidential disaster declarations. The Commission also assists local governments in responding to requirements related to the National Flood Insurance Program. As a part of the Commission’s technical assistance program, the Commission’s staff provides assistance to member governments on compliance with federal requirements, such as the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and similar regulations.

EARPDC Community Development Department:

Ellen Austin,
Community Development Director
Email: ellen.austin@adss.alabama.gov

Diane McClellan,
Principal Planner
Email: diane.mcclellan@adss.alabama.gov

Robin Caler,
Senior Planner
Email: robin.caler@adss.alabama.gov

(256) 237-6741
Fax: (256) 237-6763