December 11, 2023
Tombigbee RC&D Council Executive Director Laurice McCollum joined State Representatives Curtis Travis, Russell Bedsole and Senator April Weaver at the Bibb County Commission Rock Building to award and celebrate over $117,511 in funded grants for projects in Bibb County, this morning.
Funds were awarded for 15 projects in Bibb County representing multiple county agencies. A complete list of the grants awarded is set out below. A representative of each of the agencies that received funds was on site to provide a brief summary of their project award.
Mandatory Reporter/Student Child Abuse Prevention Internet Safety Trainings – The Central Alabama Regional Child Advocacy Center provides Mandatory Reporter and Internet Safety trainings in Bibb Programs also include awareness events and multiple services to victims of child abuse and their families. $8,000.00
Bibb County Forestry and Natural Resource Education Program – Alabama Extension & Auburn University partnered to provide students with knowledge about the forest with events like Forestry Awareness Week Now (FAWN) or the Groundwater Festival. FAWN consisted of 10 stations about information such as, identification of plants and animals, forestry safety, fire prevention, soil composition, technology, and forestry The Groundwater Festival had hands-on activities about the importance of water to all living things.$11,832.28
H20 Quality-The University of West Alabama {UWA) acquired an off-campus facility entitled UWA’s Cahaba Biodiversity Center (CBC). The funding provided funding for chest waders, bathyscapes, sieves, dipnets and hand held $10,000.00.
Brierfield Fire & Rescue, Medical Emergency Response Expansion Plan – Brierfield Fire & Rescue, Inc is an all-volunteer agency covering portions of eastern Bibb County and southwest Shelby County. They respond to approximately 500 emergency calls per year. This grant allowed for the purchase of a portable ultrasound and iPad for remote medical imaging, a video laryngoscope for placement of breathing tubes, aortic/junctional tourniquets for treatment of critical trauma patients, and an IV pump for the safe administration of lifesaving medications. $8800.00
Law Enforcement Vest – With the funds awarded Bibb County Sheriff’s Office was able to purchase five new bullet proof vests and carriers for our $5,000.00.
Conference Room Upgrade – Bibb County Conservation District hosts monthly board meetings that the public can attend and small events in their office. With the grant money received, they were able to completely refurnish the room with a new conference table, 12 chairs, and 2 storage cabinets. The previous chairs were outdated and no longer felt safe to be utilized. $5,800.00
Police Pursuit Safety – The Town of Woodstock Police Department was able to purchase a Spike System, Traffic Cones & Storage System with the funds This would be used to stop criminals who are attempting to elude the police, prevent accidents and protect our citizens and officers $5,073.06.
Equipment purchase – Brent Volunteer Fire Department & Rescue was able to purchase Battery Powered Chainsaws with the funds awarded. This is a valuable tool that helps improve emergency response during severe weather. Opening roadways for Emergency Vehicles to provide aid to those that are injured or trapped will save lives. $5,006.00
Six Mile Community Center Heat Pump Project – The Six Mile Community Center serves as a polling location for Bibb County citizens, volunteer fire department station and a community meeting It is maintained through the efforts of the Bibb County Commission and a non-profit agency. The community center needed a new heat pump and with the funds awarded they were able to acquire one.$7,500.00
Bibb Animal Facility Kennels – Bibb Animal Facility serves the citizens of Bibb County by catching stray animals within the They used the funds awarded to replace the kennels that were damaged and destroyed during the March 25, 2021, Tornado. $6,250.00
The CBC canoe Project – The UWA Cahaba Biodiversity Center is an off-campus facility that serves as an outdoor classroom and field trip destination as well as a site for a variety of research opportunities. The Project will provide the ability for participants to explore the Cahaba River & terrestrial The grant money was used to purchase 10 canoes, 2 trailers, paddles, PFDs, and miscellaneous equipment.$13,499.00
Centreville Police Upgrade – The City of Centreville Police Department utilized the funds awarded to upgrade their equipment. This included body armor, spike strips, and in car video $ 9,450.00
Shelving/Outreach – Brent-Centreville Public Library is a public library serving Bibb County and all communities surrounding Brent and Centreville. Their purchase of shelves with the funds awarded has made accessing books easier and improved spacing. $6,478.61
E911Break Room Renovation- Bibb County E911serves the citizens of Bibb County by answering emergency calls and dispatching the appropriate First Responders The funds awarded were used to renovate the E911 Breakroom by upgrading appliances, painting walls, cabinets and installing new countertops. $3,425.00
Emergency Response Tools – Bibb County Emergency Management coordinates and works with all First Responders within Bibb County to help residents during emergency events and serves as a liaison between local, state, and federal governments. The funds awarded helped equip l=irst Responders with tools needed during disasters such as severe weather events $ 6,497.59.
Police/Court Technology Upgrades- The Woodstock Police Department recently hired more officers and had to purchase new patrol cars. With the funds awarded they purchased patrol car computers and other technology used for court that was out of date and not functioning They also purchased equipment for the new officer patrol car that was newly added. $ 4900.00
TOTAL $117,511.54
