Mentone Secures $300,000 ARC Grant for Moon Lake Village Upgrades

The Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) has approved a $300,000 grant for the Town of Mentone to support the renovation and revitalization of Moon Lake Village. This funding, combined with $300,000 in local contributions, will provide a total of $600,000 for improvements to this historic community asset on Lookout Mountain.

The project will address critical safety, accessibility, and structural issues within the 5,200-square-foot former elementary school building, which now serves as a hub for local artisan businesses and community events. Planned improvements include upgrading electrical and HVAC systems, repairing damaged subfloors, ensuring ADA compliance, and reconfiguring space to accommodate community college classes and public gatherings. These enhancements are expected to increase annual visitors to Mentone by approximately 1,000 and boost traffic to the thirteen artisan businesses operating within Moon Lake Village.

The Appalachian Regional Commission is a federal-state partnership dedicated to promoting economic development in the Appalachian region. Through targeted investments, ARC helps communities address infrastructure needs, workforce development, and business expansion.

For more on Moon Lake Village: https://www.mentonealabama.gov/moon-lake-village