The Tombigbee RC&D Council presented over $94,000 in grant awards to Bibb County recipients on Friday, January 23, 2026. The recipients awarded and the grant project descriptions are listed below:
FY 2025 Projects
1. Bibb County Rope Rescue Team- The establishment of the first rope rescue team in Bibb County, significantly improving the ability of first responders to safely access and rescue patients in complex and hazardous environments. Funding provided NFPA-certified rope rescue equipment, allowing rescues to be performed safely, efficiently, and in compliance with national standards. This project enhances public safety for anyone who lives, works, or travels in Bibb County, while significantly increasing responder safety, reducing liability, and improving patient outcomes during high-risk rescue operations. $9,180.80
2. Town Park Basketball Renovation/Upgrade- The recent upgrade to our town’s basketball court has revitalized the space and strengthened community engagement. With a new, safer playing surface and modern hoops, the court now supports players of all ages and skill levels while encouraging regular physical activity, particularly among local youth. Beyond recreation, the court has become a central gathering place for families and neighbors, helping build community connections and provide a positive outlet for teens. Increased daily usage and positive resident feedback clearly demonstrate the success of this project, transforming an underused area into a vibrant hub that promotes health, inclusion, and community pride. $10,000.00
3. Centreville Uptown Beatification- The primary goal of the Centreville Uptown Beautification Project is to create a more visually appealing and welcoming environment for residents and visitors. By enhancing public spaces, the project aims to encourage community gathering, support existing businesses, and attract new economic development to the Uptown district. The addition of benches and trash receptacles has played a vital role in improving comfort, cleanliness, and usability throughout the area. The project has been widely recognized as a success, as evidenced by positive feedback and praise from local officials, residents, and business owners. These improvements are helping transform Uptown Centreville into a vibrant, attractive destination where people want to spend time. $5,000.00
4. Dive Team Equipment– This project benefits all citizens by enhancing water rescue and recovery capabilities. The purchase of updated scuba equipment for the Bibb County Sheriff’s Office Dive Team significantly improves the safety and effectiveness of dive operations, ensuring the Dive Team is properly equipped with up-to-date, life-safety-rated gear. This investment strengthens emergency response capabilities, protects first responders, and enhances the ability to serve the community during critical water rescue and recovery operations. $7,758.07
5. Adventure Awaits- The project was a clear success, marked by high levels of student engagement and enthusiasm. BES students actively participated in presentations by the Alabama Cooperative Extension System and made strong connections between classroom lessons, virtual field trips on the Cahaba River, and hands-on learning experiences. The project concluded with a field trip that allowed students and parents to explore local environments firsthand, reinforcing lessons on conservation and natural resources. Positive feedback and continued student excitement demonstrate the project’s impact in increasing curiosity, understanding, and appreciation for local ecosystems. $10,000.00
6. Infrastructure Maintenance and Accessibility Project- An All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV) was essential for the Sewer Maintenance Department to safely and efficiently access sewer pump stations and lines located in difficult and previously impassable areas. With six pump stations spread across Bibb and Tuscaloosa Counties, the addition of this equipment has significantly improved the department’s ability to maintain infrastructure, clear overgrowth, mark sewer lines, and service pump stations. This project has been successful in improving access to critical sewer infrastructure, benefiting the entire community by ensuring consistent maintenance, reducing service disruptions, and protecting public health. $10,000.00
7. West Blockton Elementary School Playground-This project to install turf in West Blocton Elementary’s outdoor classroom was a clear success. The new turf provides a clean, durable, and low-maintenance surface that allows students and teachers to comfortably use the space for outdoor learning, classroom activities, and school celebrations regardless of weather conditions. This improvement has enhanced outdoor learning opportunities by creating a safer and more inviting environment that supports hands-on education, collaboration, physical activity, and diverse learning styles. Overall, the project successfully strengthened the school’s outdoor educational infrastructure and enriched the learning experience for students and teachers. $9,991.49
8. Bibb County Natural Resources Council- The project successfully educated students and adults on the importance of caring for natural resources. Third-grade students learned about trees, their benefits, and participated in an Arbor Day program that included planting trees to observe growth over time. Fourth graders attended a field trip to Brierfield State Park for hands-on activities during the annual Groundwater Festival. Community outreach included a May tree sale offering affordable oak trees and adult education events for landowners on best management practices, supported by educational literature. Positive feedback from students, teachers, and landowners demonstrates the project’s impact in fostering environmental awareness and stewardship across the county. $10,000.00
9. Workspace for Woodstock- The new tables and bookshelf in the Woodstock Elementary School library have transformed the space into a versatile learning environment for all 300+ students. The library now serves as an extension of the classroom, allowing students to work on projects, research, and create presentations using Chromebooks. These improvements have been met with excitement and gratitude from both students and parents, making collaborative learning more accessible and effective. $10,000.00
10. Green Thumb Nursey 7 Greenhouse renovation- This project has provided students with firsthand experience in the value of hard work and leadership, as they managed every aspect—from selecting tables to promoting the program in the community. While this season’s plant production was not sufficient for a sale, the project has already generated interest across Bibb County and neighboring areas, with community members offering support and anticipating future sales and giveaways. The project not only benefits residents but also gives students practical experience in agricultural business operations, from growing and marketing to selling their products, creating lasting value for students, their families, and the broader community. $6,758.82
11. City of Centerville- The City of Centreville implemented this project to acquire informational and traffic-monitoring equipment to enhance public safety, communication, and economic development. The equipment provides real-time traffic data, public messaging for school and community events, and emergency alerts. The City purchased modern digital display and data-collection equipment, improving traffic control, law enforcement efficiency, emergency communication, and the availability of data to support city planning and business recruitment. $15,000.00
Tombigbee RC&D is a nonprofit organization that awards grants to projects within our serving region. This promotes the advancement and development of communities as well as providing them with opportunities.
The RC&D Council is the heart of the RC&D concept. The Council is a membership-based nonprofit entity that is established and run by volunteers to carry out the mission of the RC&D. The Council is composed of members that are key community leaders in soil and water conservation, government, and community development. They are the steering committee and action team to implement the “Area Plan”, a community-driven strategic long-range plan to improve the quality of life in the communities in the RC&D Area.
The West Alabama organization serves an 8 county area including Bibb, Sumter, Tuscaloosa, Hale, Greene, Picens Lamar & Fayette counties.
