HUNTSVILLE, Ala. (WHNT) — The Huntsville City Council announced the approval of funds from an opioid-related settlement.
Rocket City leaders say this funding will go a long way in addressing several areas related to opioid use disorder.
Last year, Walmart agreed to pay more than $44 million to 270 towns, cities and county governments in Alabama, including Huntsville.
According to the council, the opioid epidemic has swept through north Alabama, claiming hundreds of lives and impacting many more. This large-scale settlement is part of continued efforts to reduce the impact of infectious diseases on the Huntsville community.
City leaders say the money will be specifically earmarked for efforts related to combating opioids, including more affordable housing and services to help fight addiction.
Huntsville City Councilman Bill Kling said the funding will help the city get people struggling with opioid use into better situations.
“The plan of action is to work on education and rehabilitation, and we want to ensure that people have a good place to live and a quality of life again,” Kling told News 19. Deterring involvement with opioids. ”
Kling also said the payment is part of a series of opioid-related settlements for Rocket City.
In other news announced at Thursday’s City Council meeting, dual Hilton hotels will be built in Huntsville as part of a $145 million mixed-use development. The two hotels have a total of 200 rooms overlooking Joe Davis Stadium.