MONTGOMERY— Gov. Robert Bentley announced Land and Water Conservation Fund grants totaling $129,646 to upgrade or add new features to three outdoor recreation areas in Tuscaloosa, Jefferson, Bibb and Walker counties.
The town of Coaling is receiving a $50,000 grant to construct a splash pad at the town park. The 707-square-foot splash pad will feature several water jets and give children in Tuscaloosa County and surrounding areas a place to cool off during hot summer months. The project also will include a walkway and benches around the splash pad. The town is contributing $60,000 to the project.
With a $50,000 grant, Tannehill Ironworks Historical State Park will upgrade its wastewater treatment system. The new system will eliminate discharge into Mud Creek and will have the capacity to accommodate future expansion of campgrounds and rental facilities at the park. Matching funds of $50,000 will supplement the grant for the park, which covers parts of Tuscaloosa, Jefferson and Bibb counties.
The city of Jasper will use a $29,696 grant to construct a pavilion near the George Lindsey Dreamfield at Memorial Park. The pavilion will include restrooms that comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Jasper has committed $30,303 to the project.
“Outdoor recreation plays an important role in a community’s quality of life,” Bentley said. “I am pleased to support further development of these parks, expanding opportunities for families to enjoy the outdoors together.”
Congress created the LWCF program in 1964 to assist states with the development and preservation of outdoor recreational facilities.
The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs is administering the grants. ADECA manages an array of programs supporting law enforcement and traffic safety, economic development, energy conservation, workforce development, water resource management and recreation development.
Bentley notified Coaling Mayor William Burkhalter, Tom Land of the Alabama Historic Ironworks commission and Jasper Mayor Sonny Posey that the grants had been approved.
Contact: Mike Presley, Larry Childers