MONTGOMERY, Ala. – The Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds awarded by Gov. Kay Ivey will be used to provide infrastructure needed for Alabama Graphite Products to open a processing facility in Coosa County.
Alabama Graphite Products plans to employ 100 people in the production of locally mined graphite which will be used in the manufacturing of lithium-ion batteries used to power electric vehicles.
“I am beyond proud to continue lending support to Westwater Resources’ plans to build the first U.S.-based graphite processing plant,” said Gov. Ivey. “We can be proud that this important ingredient in producing EV batteries is being produces here in the United States, but also here in Sweet Home Alabama.”
CDBG funds will enable the city of Alexander City to extend sewer services to the Alabama Graphite Products facility which will be located in Kellyton Industrial Park.
Alabama Graphite Products plans to construct a $202 million graphite processing plant. Once in operation, the plant will process 7,500 tons of graphite annually and will eventually double that amount. Graphite will be mined in western Coosa County and transported to the plant.
The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs is administering the grant from funds made available by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. ADECA administers an array of programs supporting law enforcement and traffic safety, economic development, energy conservation, water resource management and recreation development.
“This project will provide jobs and benefit numerous communities who worked together to make it a reality,” said ADECA Director Kenneth Boswell. “ADECA is pleased to join with Gov. Ivey, Alabama Graphite, and local leaders in this venture.”
