The Utilities Board of the City of Foley will receive $32,660 in state funding to modernize equipment at a local sewage lift station, part of a broader effort announced by Gov. Kay Ivey to improve energy efficiency across Alabama.

Ivey awarded 11 grants totaling just over $500,000 to local governments and nonprofit organizations for upgrades aimed at reducing energy use and lowering long-term utility costs, a news release said. The projects span nine counties and include improvements to lighting, heating and cooling systems and control technologies at schools, community centers and other public facilities.

In Foley, the grant will support upgrades to the technology controlling the sewage lift station in the Victoria Place neighborhood. The improvements are expected to enhance system efficiency and reliability while reducing operational costs.

“These funds will facilitate modern updates that will significantly reduce energy costs over time,” Ivey said in the release. “That savings will allow a larger portion of local budgets to be used each year to directly benefit the communities being served.”

The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs is administering the funding, which comes from the U.S. Department of Energy through the State Energy Program.

“The leaders of these counties, municipalities and organizations recognize that investing in energy-efficient systems makes good economic sense,” ADECA Director Kenneth Boswell said. “ADECA joins Gov. Ivey in commending them for their foresight in pursuing these beneficial projects.”

While Foley’s project is the only one in the immediate area, the grants also fund a range of improvements statewide. These include LED lighting upgrades at schools and public buildings, HVAC system replacements and energy-efficient streetlight installations.

Officials say such upgrades not only reduce energy consumption but also extend the lifespan of equipment and improve service delivery, particularly in critical infrastructure such as wastewater systems.