MONTGOMERY — Gov. Kay Ivey has awarded a $41,770 grant to help low-income victims of a devastating 2019 tornado in Lee County continue recovery efforts.

The Alabama Council on Human Relations in Auburn will use the Community Services Block Grant disaster funds to assist tornado-affected residents who meet poverty level requirements with expenses not covered by other emergency funds and recovery efforts.

The tornado, which surged to EF-4 intensity, struck the Beauregard and Smiths Station communities on March 3, 2019, killing 23 people and leaving a wide path of destruction.

“A year later and our hearts still go out to those affected by the storm because we know that while they are strong for each other, so many are still struggling in their own way and may be working to rebuild for many months and years,” Gov. Ivey said. “I am pleased that these funds will be available to help qualified residents with continued recovery needs.”

The funds were secured through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs is administering the grant.

“Gov. Ivey and I have both visited these communities and viewed the devastation caused by this horrendous storm,” ADECA Director Kenneth Boswell said. “We have also seen a community mobilized to finds strength in each other and help their neighbors in need. ADECA is pleased to join the governor in making these funds available.”

ADECA administers a wide range of programs that support law enforcement, victim programs, economic development, water resource management, energy conservation and recreation.

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Contact Jim Plott or Mike Presley