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Alabama Waterway Enhancement Program Flyer

Press Release: 2024 Waterway Enhancement Program Grant Recipients

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

April 3, 2024 – 12pm

Alabama Scenic River Trail Announces Grant Recipients of Waterway Enhancement Program

ALABAMA – Alabama Scenic River Trail (ASRT) is excited to reveal 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
  • Project Summary: Improving access to Autauga Creek by installing a new Canoe and Kayak launch system
  • Waterway(s): Autauga Creek
  • County/Counties Served: Autauga County
  • Website: https://www.facebook.com/Autaugacreekcanoetrail/

Bear Creek Collaborative

  • Project Title: Water Access Kayak Launch Project
  • Project Summary: Creating a new ADA access point on Big Bear Creek through BoardSafe Dock purchase and installation
  • Waterway(s): Big Bear Creek
  • County/Counties Served: Franklin, Colbert, Lauderdale, Marion, and Winston
  • Website: https://bearcreekcollab.org/

Coosa Riverkeeper

  • Project Title: Revitalization of Hatchet Creek Put-in Project
  • Project Summary: Put-in consultation, remediation, and clean-up of invasive species surrounding Hatchet Creek Put-in
  • Waterway(s): Hatchet Creek, Coosa River, Lake Mitchell
  • County/Counties Served: Coosa
  • Website: https://coosariver.org/

Freshwater Land Trust

  • Project Title: Land Stewardship and Outreach Canoe Project
  • Project Summary: Additional new canoe and supply purchases for outreach efforts and property management efforts across FLT properties
  • Waterway(s): Various
  • County/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
  • Project Summary: Boat slide purchase towards the completion of the Taylor Canoe Park access point
  • Waterway(s): Locust Fork River
  • County/Counties Served: Blount
  • Website: https://www.friendsofthelocustforkriver.org/

Neely Henry Lake Association

  • Project Title: Rainbow City Paddle Launch Installation Project
  • Project Summary: The purchase and installation of a Kayak/canoe launch point
  • Waterway(s): Neely Henry Lake
  • County/Counties Served: Etowah
  • Website: https://www.neelyhenrylake.org/

For more information about the Waterway Enhancement Program and the projects funded, please get in touch with Martha Grace Mize, Development and Outreach Coordinator at ASRT, at media@alabamascenicrivertrail.com 

About Alabama Scenic River Trail:

The Alabama Scenic River Trail (ASRT)is an organization that works to enhance community development in areas of water recreation and tourism with an emphasis on opportunities throughout more than 6,000 miles of rivers and streams, including the longest National Water Trail in the United States. ASRT encourages and promotes water safety and education to all levels of the public that utilize Alabama’s waterways as a gateway for paddling and other recreational activities. 

Media Contact:

Martha Grace Mize

Development and Outreach Coordinator

Alabama Scenic River Trail

media@alabamascenicrivertrail.com

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