Cottonwood officials react after town receives grant funding for new volunteer fire department station [Video]

DOTHAN, Ala. (WDHN) — Cottonwood will receive a nearly $700,000 community development block grant to rebuild its volunteer fire department station,  destroyed by a tornado in the early morning hours on Jan 9.

The grant can help with a variety of projects, including infrastructure.

Fire Chief Randy Hall says it is a significant step forward in the town’s recovery.

“Having a new fire department is going to help us in so many ways. It’s going to help the attitude of our town, again it’s gonna put the past behind us, and we’re going to smile and look forward to the future,” he says.

Hall says the effort comes after Cottonwood worked with numerous officials at the local, county and regional levels.

They include city staff, County Chairman Ben Shoupe, Rep. Paul Lee, and Sen. Donnie Chesteen.

After the tornado, officials assessed Cottonwood’s needs, planned for long-term recovery, and began reaching out for assistance.

The result is a community development …