Cawaco RC&D and the Blount County Legislative Delegation gathered at the Community Arts Council of Blount County to celebrate the awarding of $152,456 in grant funding to 14 communities and organizations across Blount County.
The grant day highlighted the diverse community projects that strengthen community resources and advance the development of our region’s people and places.
2026 Projects
Impact Grants
Accessible pier at the Town’s boat launch
Leadership at the Town of Highland Lake had to remove a pier at the town’s boat launch after it had become unsafe. They installed a new pier with a ramp and handrail that allows access to and from the landing without steps or assistance needed. The new pier enables all residents to enjoy the fishing and boating opportunities available.
Community Outreach and Engagement
The Town of Hayden constructed an inclusive playground at the Hayden Community Center to create a safe, accessible recreational space where children of all abilities can play together. The project promoted physical activity, social inclusion and community wellness through an expression swing with an adaptive seat and an inclusive seesaw designed with adaptive seats and sensory elements.
Equipping our firefighters
The Holly Springs Volunteer Fire Department equipped three firefighters with new turnout gear so they can safely respond to emergency calls. This project benefits the approximately 1,500 citizens of the Holly Springs community and the thousands of citizens in the area the department provides automatic aid for.
Murphree Valley Volunteer Fire Department Tools Request
Murphree’s Valley Volunteer Fire Department and Rescue Squad equipped their fire engines with the tools needed to extinguish structure fires. They purchased fire hose connections that are critical when responding with another department that might have different size tools and hoses.
NOAA Weather Radio Giveaway
Blount County EMA prepared 275 people for their next weather emergency by partnering with WBRC meteorologists and the Oneonta Walmart to give NOAA weather radios free to residents. The radios will transmit early warnings that allow people to take appropriate action before a weather event occurs to prevent themselves, their family, friends, and neighbors.
Swann River Park
The project at Swann Bridge Park is at the site of the historic Swann Covered Bridge, a tourist attraction since 1933 and a place used for swimming, paddling, fishing, and enjoying time on the water. Friends of the Locust Fork River purchased three picnic tables, five benches, three trash cans and new signage to be added to the area for the benefit of visitors and families seeking a safe and beautiful place for picnics and family gatherings as well as for tourists coming to see the historic bridge and enjoy the amazing beauty of the largest river in the county.
Turnout Gear and Medical Equipment
Summit Volunteer Fire Department replaced outdated turnout gear and medical equipment including boots, hoods, helmets, gloves, pants, jackets, mechanical suction devices, and a CPR manikin. The project benefits the roughly 5,000 people In the community and greatly increases a person’s chance of survival in an emergency.
Education Grants
Alabama Cooperative Extension System Support
The Blount County Extension created a garden at the Blount County Multi-Use Facility through a collaborative project with the Blount County Extension Master Gardeners (EMGs) and the Blount County Career Tech Center (Board of Education). They will use the garden to lead workshops for gardeners of all ages on vegetable gardening, fruit production, and creating sustainable pollinator habitat. The effort is multigenerational, as EMGs and high school students will work together to plant, maintain and harvest the garden. Any harvested produce will be donated to local food assistance organizations in support of Extension’s Grow More Give More program.
America 250
The Blount Community Arts Council celebrated America’s 250th birthday with the musical 1776. The project served 150 students and 450 total people through the purchase of royalties, crafts, supplies, and costumes to educate the children of Blount County.
Elevating Summer Learning!!
Through Elevating Summer Learning Camps, the Blount County Education Foundation offered a wide range of summertime programs for 1,700 students. Aiming to turn the usual “summer slide” into a “summer leap,” the camps ensured fair access to stimulating academic and enrichment experiences. The initiative expanded BCEF’s forward-thinking summer learning model and produced measurable improvements in reading, math, writing, and social-emotional growth – helping students return to school in the fall more prepared.
McDowell Explorers Fund
Hayden Middle School brought its fifth-grade class to Camp McDowell for hands‑on, place‑based learning experiences they simply cannot get inside a traditional classroom. 85 students explored Alabama’s ecosystems, practiced teamwork, built confidence, and connected academic concepts to the natural world in ways that deepen understanding and spark curiosity. Students returned more engaged, more responsible, and more aware of the environment around them.
School Facility Update
Appalachian School installed a new video board for the gymnasium for award ceremonies, school assemblies, a variety of sporting events, group speakers, graduation ceremonies, and community events. The school grounds are a central meeting place for the rural community and benefits 2,400 students.
Veterans Park
Blount County Veterans Park completed the final phase of the park to show appreciation and remembrance of all those who served. The park serves as a place where people can come to educate their children on the cost of freedom. 300 people attended the opening ceremony.
Young Ambassadors Program
The Blount-Oneonta Chamber of Commerce’s Young Ambassadors Program educates, inspires, and empowers future business and community leaders. The 28 students who participated gained hands-on experience in teamwork, communication, problem-solving, and servant leadership through real-world service opportunities. Local community organizations also benefited from the involvement of volunteer teens, who provided valuable assistance with events, outreach efforts, and service projects. Their participation helped organizations expand their impact and encouraged youth involvement and community pride. The project strengthened partnerships across generations, encouraged volunteerism, and created lasting positive impacts throughout the community.
Building Partnerships for Lasting Change
The success of these community projects reflects the power of collaboration between local organizations, government partners, and dedicated volunteers. The projects demonstrate how strategic investments in community infrastructure create lasting positive change across the county.
The impact of these projects would not be possible without the continued partnership and support of the Blount County Legislative Delegation. Special thanks to Sen Shay Shelnutt, Sen. Wes Kitchens, Rep. David Standridge, and Rep. Heath Allbright for their commitment to supporting locally driven solutions to strengthen Blount County.
“As always, it’s great to support things that are happening in Blount County. I appreciate all y’all do, and keep up the good work,” said Sen. Shay Shelnutt.
“I just want to thank each and every one of y’all for what you do for your communities and for Blount County. It really is an honor for us to get to represent Blount County,” said Sen. Wes Kitchens. “Thank you, RC&D. As you can see, the impact that they have on so many different organizations — they really do make Alabama and Blount County a better place. So thank y’all; thank you for your support. We’re happy to help any way we can.”
Cawaco RC&D is proud to support educational and community development projects like these throughout Blount, Chilton, Jefferson, Shelby, and Walker Counties. These grants represent our ongoing commitment to fostering vibrant communities that achieve balance between economic, human and natural resource needs.
