Alabama Scenic River Trail announces grant recipients of Waterway Enhancement Program
Published 3:08 pm Thursday, April 4, 2024
- Limestone County 4-H Extension Agent Chloe Wilson demonstrates safe paddling skills to a group of North Alabama children Thursday on Wheeler Lake in Rogersville. The kids are participating in RiverKids, a youth kayaking program developed by Alabama 4-H and the Alabama Scenic River Trail Program. The ASRT program recently awarded $20,000 in grants to waterway management organizations across Alabama.
ALABAMA — Alabama Scenic River Trail revealed the first-ever Waterway Enhancement Program recipients. This new initiative, driven by ASRT’s dedication to improving freshwater recreation opportunities and safety throughout Alabama, supports local organizations’ efforts to enhance waterway access across the state.
“We are delighted to support these impactful projects that will contribute to the accessibility and enjoyment of Alabama’s waterways,” stated Andrew Szymanski, ASRT executive director. “These grants highlight ASRT’s ongoing commitment to fostering enhancement of our fresh waterways for the benefit of communities and visitors statewide.”
ASRT strives to ensure a fair and equitable process through the Waterway Enhancement Program, prioritizing grassroots solutions to local waterway needs. Each applicant applied for the award, and the ASRT Waterway Enhancement Committee carefully evaluated each proposal. Six organizations’ projects are being awarded funding, totaling a combined $20,000.
The following organizations have been selected as grant recipients of the 2024 Waterway Enhancement Program:
Autauga Creek Improvement Committee Inc.
Project title: Autauga Creek Canoe/Kayak Launch System Project
Award amount: $5,000
Project summary: Improving access to Autauga Creek by installing a new Canoe and Kayak launch system.
Waterway: Autauga Creek
County served: Autauga County
Website: https://www.facebook.com/Autaugacreekcanoetrail/
Bear Creek Collaborative
Project title: Water Access Kayak Launch Project
Award amount: $5,000
Project summary: Creating a new ADA access point on Big Bear Creek through BoardSafe Dock purchase and installation
Waterway: Big Bear Creek
Counties served: Franklin, Colbert, Lauderdale, Marion and Winston
Website: https://bearcreekcollab.org/
Coosa Riverkeeper
Project title: Revitalization of Hatchet Creek Put-in Project
Award amount: $3,600
Project summary: Put-in consultation, remediation, and clean-up of invasive species surrounding Hatchet Creek Put-in
Waterways: Hatchet Creek, Coosa River, Lake Mitchell
County served: Coosa
Website: https://coosariver.org/
Freshwater Land Trust
Project title: Land Stewardship and Outreach Canoe Project
Award amount: $2,200
Project summary: Additional new canoe and supply purchases for new outreach efforts and property management efforts across FLT properties.
Waterways: Various
Counties served: Jefferson, Bibb, Blount, Coosa and Walker
Website: https://freshwaterlandtrust.org/
Friends of the Locust Fork River
Project title: Taylor Canoe Park Boat Slide Project
Award amount: $2,000
Project summary: Boat slide purchase towards the completion of the Taylor Canoe Park access point.
Waterway: Locust Fork River
County served: Blount
Website: https://www.friendsofthelocustforkriver.org/
Neely Henry Lake Association
Project title: Rainbow City Paddle Launch Installation Project
Award amount: $2,200
Project summary: The purchase and installation of a Kayak/canoe launch point.
Waterway: Neely Henry Lake
County served: Etowah
Website: https://www.neelyhenrylake.org/
