Words by Kellie Johnston | Image by Ryan McGill
This Christmas season, Walker County finds itself on the “nice list,” largely thanks to the leadership of State Senate President Pro Tempore Greg Reed.
Through Senator Reed’s guidance, Walker County has garnered nearly $180,000 from Cawaco RC&D, serving as initial investments for 19 projects that have significantly benefited the community, just in time for Christmas.
Cawaco RC&D is a nonprofit organization connecting Central Alabama communities with the resources and partnerships needed to drive economic development. They are dedicated to conserving, developing, and sustaining natural and community resources in Blount, Chilton, Shelby, Jefferson, and Walker Counties. They receive funds from the Alabama Association of Resource Conservation and Development Councils to provide competitive grants to small towns and nonprofits.
Senator Greg Reed has been a staunch ally of Cawaco RC&D since his first election to the Alabama Senate in 2010. His rise from Senator to President Pro Tempore of the Alabama Senate has served Walker County well. Since 2021, Senator Reed has brought over $300,000 in RC&D grants to the area. These awards have been vital to identifying community needs, assisting project development, and identifying strategic partners and funding to accomplish community goals.
Senator Reed has been a believer and advocate for RC&D in his district and statewide. In 2015, the Alabama Association of RC&D recognized Senator Reed as the Senate Leader of the Year.
In Walker County, Cawaco RC&D grant funds have been used in 2023 alone to add new security systems, purchase equipment, and provide training for the Justice Center, Walker County Sheriff’s office, and Carbon Hill Police Department; aid first responders and emergency personnel by acquiring equipment for the Yerkwood Fire Department, Walker County Firefighters Association, and Oakman Volunteer Fire Department; enhance facilities Indian Head Mill Park, Kansas Park, and the Yerkwood Community Walking Track; provide educational opportunities at the Walker County Center of Technology, Cordova Elementary School, and Parrish Elementary School; and provide resources to community organizations like the Kiwanis Club of East Walker County, Carbon Hill Women’s Club, and Downtown Jasper Business Association.
The partnership of Senator Reed and Cawaco RC&D has been incredibly fruitful and impactful for Walker County. This Christmas, we should all be thankful for Senator Reed, who checks the “nice list” twice to ensure abundant resources are being gifted to the people and organizations of Walker County.
Kellie Johnston is the Executive Director at Cawaco Resource Conservation & Development
Council, Inc.
