MONTGOMERY – Gov. Robert Bentley announced three grants to upgrade outdoor recreational opportunities in Blount and St. Clair counties.
A $30,000 Land and Water Conservation Fund grant will help the Blount County Commission purchase an additional 20 acres adjacent to Palisades Park. The county plans to develop hiking trails and provide additional locations for rock climbing and rappelling.
Pell City will use a $50,000 LWCF grant to renovate playgrounds at Glenn City Park and 19th Street Park. At both parks, the city will install new playground equipment and safety surface treatments that comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act.
With a $40,000 LWCF award, the city of Springville will upgrade lighting at one of its four ball fields in the city park, removing the wooden light poles installed in 1977 and replacing them with metal poles. The city will install underground wiring and energy-efficient lighting on the new poles.
“Alabama is blessed with wonderful locations to enjoy the outdoors,” Bentley said. “I am pleased to support these efforts to enhance outdoor recreation opportunities and provide safe, fun places for families to spend time together.”
LWCF grants require a 50 percent local match of funds, in-kind services. For these projects, Blount County is providing $30,000, Pell City is providing $50,000 and Springville is committing $70,000.
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 a wide range of programs that support law enforcement, workforce development, energy conservation, economic development, water resource management and recreation.
--30--
Contact: Josh Carples; Mike Presley