NACOLG works with counties, cities and towns to plan community improvements, identify potential funding sources and develop projects that address local needs throughout Northwest Alabama.

NACOLG primarily provides regional and community planning assistance to local governments, including counties, municipalities and towns within its service area.

Community leaders should contact the department to discuss a proposed project and determine what assistance may be available.

NACOLG may assist with projects involving:

• Water and sewer infrastructure
• Drainage improvements
• Streets and roads
• Parks and recreation facilities
• Trail systems
• Sidewalk, bicycle and pedestrian improvements
• Building demolition
• Downtown revitalization
• Housing rehabilitation
• Multipurpose community centers
• Senior centers
• Fire departments
• Community safe rooms
• Emergency health and safety needs

Yes. NACOLG helps local governments identify grant and funding programs that may fit a community’s needs. Staff can explain available options and help communities evaluate which opportunities may be appropriate for a particular project.

No. Funding agencies establish their own eligibility requirements and make final award decisions. If a project does not qualify for one program, NACOLG may help the community explore alternative funding sources.

Potential funding sources may include:

• Appalachian Regional Commission
• Community Development Block Grant Program
• Land and Water Conservation Fund
• Recreational Trails Program
• Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs
• USDA Rural Development
• Federal Emergency Management Agency
• U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
• Environmental Protection Agency
• Alabama Department of Environmental Management
• Alabama Department of Transportation
• Northwest Alabama Resource Conservation and Development Council

The appropriate funding source depends on the project, applicant and current program requirements.

Yes. NACOLG can help local governments plan water and sewer infrastructure projects and identify potential funding programs. Assistance may include evaluating needs, considering funding options and preparing the project for an application.

Yes. Eligible community projects may include street and road improvements, drainage infrastructure, sidewalks, bicycle routes and pedestrian-safety improvements.

Yes. NACOLG works with communities on projects involving parks, recreation facilities and trail systems. Staff may also help identify possible funding through programs such as the Land and Water Conservation Fund or Recreational Trails Program.

Yes. Downtown revitalization is one of the community development areas supported by NACOLG. Assistance may include planning, project development and identifying relevant local, state or federal resources.

Yes. NACOLG provides comprehensive development planning to help local governments evaluate existing conditions, establish community priorities and guide future growth and investment.

Community planning services may include:

• Comprehensive development plans
• Downtown plans
• Land-use plans
• Subdivision master plans
• Subdivision regulations
• New zoning ordinances
• Revisions to existing zoning ordinances

Yes. NACOLG can assist local governments with creating or revising zoning ordinances based on the community’s planning needs.

Yes. NACOLG provides assistance with subdivision master plans and regulations. Local officials should contact the planning department to discuss the scope of the work required.

Yes. Community safe rooms and emergency grants addressing health and safety needs are among the projects NACOLG may help communities develop. Funding availability and eligibility depend on current program requirements.

NACOLG provides information and assistance related to the EPA Brownfields Program. Brownfield projects generally involve properties where the presence or possible presence of contamination may complicate redevelopment or reuse.

Communities should contact NACOLG as early as possible. Early planning gives staff more time to evaluate the project, identify possible funding sources and determine what studies, plans or documentation may be required.

Helpful information may include:

• A description of the community need
• The proposed project location
• Estimated project scope and cost
• People or neighborhoods that would benefit
• Existing plans, studies or engineering information
• Known deadlines
• Funding already committed to the project

NACOLG staff can explain what additional information may be necessary.

NACOLG provides regional and community planning assistance throughout Colbert, Franklin, Lauderdale, Marion and Winston counties.

This includes communities near Florence, Muscle Shoals, Sheffield, Tuscumbia, Russellville, Red Bay, Hamilton, Winfield, Haleyville, Double Springs and other towns across Northwest Alabama.