Aderholt Announces $1 Million ARC Grant for Cullman County Foundry Farm Building Project

CULLMAN COUNTY, AL — Congressman Robert Aderholt (AL-04) today highlighted a $1 million grant from the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) for the Foundry Farm Building Project in Cullman County. 

The grant, awarded to the Foundry Ministries, will be used to construct an 11,400 square foot multi-purpose building at the Foundry Farm in Cullman County, AL. The new building will enable Foundry Ministries to expand their recovery and employment readiness training program.  

The organization expects to enroll 30 new participants in the first year of its opening. The construction will include sitework and demolition, construction of foundation, framing of the structure and more. Foundry Farm combines agriculture work and workforce development programs with addiction treatment to help individuals rebuild their lives. 

The new Foundry Farm Building will feature classroom and office space that will support employment readiness training, including culinary skills training programs. This program provides participants with the skills to fill job openings in the Cullman County area. 

The ARC grant will be matched by $1 million in local funding, bringing the total project investment to $2 million.

“This investment will help ensure our local workforce has the skills and people needed to fill jobs while supporting those looking to rebuild their lives,” said Congressman Aderholt. “Not only is this creating long-term prosperity, economic and workforce development across the region, but it is helping change the future of those who struggle with addiction.”

The Appalachian Regional Commission is an economic development partnership of the federal government and 13 state governments focused on strengthening economic growth and opportunity across the Appalachian region.