Words by Jenny Lynn Davis | Image by Ryan McGill
Cawaco Resource Conservation & Development (RC&D) has announced $157,789 in grant funding for organizations across Walker County. The announcement took place yesterday at the offices of Jasper Main Street, the future site of the Jasper Welcome Center.
Paul Housel, North Alabama operations manager for the Cosby Company, representing of Cawaco RC&D, said the funding reflects the organization’s commitment to supporting local communities.
“Today we’re here to celebrate the work RC&D is doing in Walker County,” Housel said. “RC&D receives funding through a state appropriation, then makes grants to nonprofits and government entities like the ones represented here today. What I really like about RC&D is that it’s local. Each of the nine regional RC&D councils has board members from the counties it serves, so local people decide where the money goes. It’s local folks helping local folks.”
Walker County’s Cawaco board members – Keith Pike, Paul Kennedy, and Jenny Brown Short – were present for the event.
Housel also expressed gratitude for state legislators Senator Matt Woods (R-Jasper) and Representative Tim Wadsworth (R-Arley), noting their ongoing support for RC&D.
“I appreciate all of your combined efforts to make Walker County and our surrounding areas a better place to live,” Woods said. “You’re the hands and feet. We’re part of the budgeting process at the state level that allows us to get money to the RC&D councils to help you get where you need to be. I believe in what you do, and I’m honored to play a small part in that process.”
Wadsworth added, “When you form organizations like the ones here today and get people involved, they give back to the community. That’s what this is all about – helping our community give back to itself. We can’t always do everything, but we can support these groups in giving back to the community.”
Grant Recipients:
- ARC of Walker County – $9,175 for Autism Diagnosis Clinic needs
- Backyard Blessings – $7,500 for weekend food bags for children in need
- Capstone Health – $10,000 for site relocation project
- Carbon Hill Jr. High School – $7,500 for cheer safety
- Carbon Hill Women’s Club – $5,000 for small amphitheater/pavilion
- City of Cordova Volunteer Fire Department – $5,000 for positive pressure ventilation fans
- Jasper City School System – $20,000 for ACE Aviation Academy expansion
- Jasper Main Street – $15,950 for Town Creek Park revitalization (Phase 2)
- Jubilee House – $5,000 for Reclamation Gardens outdoor classroom, signage, and community space
- Oakman Fire – $12,200 for ventilation equipment
- Pinewoods Volunteer Fire Department – $9,893 for radio and gear
- Sumiton Fire and Rescue – $10,000 for training program
- Walker County Community Action Agency – $15,000 for building renovation
- Walker County Humane Society – $10,000 for spay and neuter program
- Walker County Soil & Water Conservation District – $15,571 for conservation education
Cawaco RC&D is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that supports educational and community development projects in Blount, Chilton, Jefferson, Shelby, and Walker Counties. Funded through the Alabama Association of Resource Conservation & Development Councils, Cawaco provides competitive grants to small towns and nonprofits that might not receive funding from larger agencies. The organization prioritizes projects that are cost-effective, make a broad community impact, and where a modest investment will make a significant difference. WL
