7 local organizations receive funds through Waterway Enhancement Program
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Earlier this summer, the Alabama Scenic River Trail announced seven new recipients for grants through its Waterway Enhancement Program.
The seven different projects are being awarded a total of $25,000. The ASRT program’s goal is to improve freshwater recreation opportunities, accessibility and safety through Alabama’s waterways.
“I’m excited to celebrate the successful awarding of the second year of our Waterway Enhancement Program and the projects it has inspired. Congratulations to this year’s recipients—your work is making Alabama’s rivers more vibrant, accessible and welcoming for all.”
Andrew Szymanski, Executive Director of Alabama Scenic River Trail
Alabama Scenic River Trail
The ASRT says it strives to ensure a fair and equitable process through the Waterway Enhancement Program, prioritizing grassroot-led solutions to local waterway needs.
The ASRT Waterway Enhancement Program Committee carefully evaluated each proposal submitted by the applicants.
“This year’s awardees reflect the purpose of the Waterway Enhancement Program—community-led efforts that prioritize accessibility, safety and creativity. We are inspired by the strength of this year’s applications and look forward to seeing the impact these projects will have on Alabama’s waterways.”
Martha Grace Mize, ASRT Director of Growth and Development
The seven organizations selected as grant recipients include:
- Autauga Creek Improvement Committee Inc.
- Project Title: ACIC Portable Kayak Launch System
- Award Amount: $4,190.00
- Project Summary: ASRT is awarding funds to purchase a 32-foot roll-in portable dock that can be used anywhere on Autauga Creek, creating more access points for paddlers along the Autauga Creek Canoe Trail.
- Waterways: Autauga Creek
- County/Counties Served by Project: Autauga County
- Bear Creek Collaborative
- Project Title: Adaptive Kayaking Equipment and Pathfinder Paddle
- Award Amount: $5,000.00
- Project Summary: ASRT is awarding funds to purchase adaptive kayaking equipment and host paddling events for at-risk youth.
- Waterways: Big Bear Creek, Tennessee River
- County/Counties Served by Project: Franklin, Colbert, Lauderdale, Marion and Winston
- Black Kids Adventures, Inc.
- Project Title: Family Paddle Days Program
- Award Amount: $3,967.00
- Project Summary: ASRT is awarding funds to provide necessary equipment, safety gear and trained leaders for the BKA Family Paddle Days Program, which allows beginner paddlers to build confidence on the water and experience paddle sports safely.
- Waterways: Tennessee River
- County/Counties Served by Project: Madison County, Possibly Marshall County
- Freshwater Land Trust
- Project Title: Safety & Education Trail Signage Improvement Project
- Award Amount: $5,000.00
- Project Summary: ASRT is awarding funds for the installation of signage at Moon River and Grants Mill access points that will increase the presence of educational and safety information at the Freshwater Land Trust Canoe Launches.
- Waterways: Cahaba River
- County/Counties Served by Project: Jefferson County
- Friends of Lake Guntersville State Park
- Project Title: Kayak Launch and Access Project at Lake Guntersville State Park Campground
- Award Amount: $3,000.00
- Project Summary: ASRT is awarding funds to support the setup of a kayak rental system and assist in developing a new launch point at Lake Guntersville State Park.
- Waterways: Lake Guntersville, Tennessee River
- County/Counties Served by Project: Marshall County
- Neely Henry Lake Association
- Project Title: NHLA Gadsden Kayak/Canoe/Paddleboard Launch Project
- Award Amount: $3,249.00
- Project Summary: ASRT is awarding funds to provide assistance with the development of a public access kayak location in Gadsden on Neely Henry Lake.
- Waterways: Neely Henry Lake, Coosa River
- County/Counties Served by Project: Etowah County
- Thomas Helping Hand
- Project Title: RiverFest Life Jacket Distribution
- Award Amount: $594.00
- Project Summary: ASRT is awarding funds to support the purchase of life jackets for adults and children attending the Sawyerville RiverFest, increasing community education on water safety.
- Waterways: Black Warrior River
- County/Counties Served by Project: Hale County
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