Cawaco RC&D and the Chilton County Legislative Delegation gathered at Clanton City Hall to celebrate the awarding of $100,830 in grant funding to nine communities and organizations across Chilton 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
AED Program
City of Thorsby Police Department equipped all eight police cars and the police station with AEDs to support first responders in providing lifesaving cardiac care to the roughly 2,000 residents of Thorsby.
Bullseye at Minooka: Archery Range Development in Chilton County
The Chilton County Commission developed a dedicated archery training facility at Minooka Park that expanded recreational offerings, promotes outdoor sportsmanship, and provides a safe, structured environment for youth and adult archery programs.
Clanton Fire Department Video Laryngoscope
The City of Clanton purchased four UESCOPE 2 VL460 video laryngoscope displays, a critical need for enhanced airway management during emergency medical response. Video laryngoscopy significantly improves intubation success rates, especially in patients with difficult airways, trauma, or limited visibility. The devices provide high-resolution video imaging, advanced angulation, and real-time feedback—allowing for safer, more efficient intubation and reducing the risk of complications associated with traditional direct laryngoscopy. The devices support departments across Chilton County, as Clanton Fire frequently provides mutual aid to agencies across the county.
Enhancing Emergency Operations and Public Safety
The Chilton County EMA acquired portable light towers to provide critical lighting in areas where power is unavailable or unreliable, such as disaster sites, accident scenes, search and rescue operations, and community events. Effective lighting is essential for responder safety, victim care, and operational efficiency.
Playground Enhancement
The Town of Maplesville updated their playground with an inclusive seesaw, providing a safe play structure for children designed with opportunities for all children to be active participants in play. The seesaw is equipped with adaptive seats and a central pod with finger trace and sensory play opportunities.
Education Grants
2026 YMCA Summer Field Trips
The YMCA of Chilton County hosted an educational, entertaining summer camp program that aims to omit the learning gap associated with summer break. They take the campers on weekly field trips at no additional charge to campers to expose them to new experiences and introduce them to new areas in the beautiful state of Alabama. In 2026, 150 campers visited 10 locations across Central Alabama. For many campers, these field trips are the only opportunity for adventure outside of the home during summer break.
Camp 1:27 – Zipline
Raleigh’s Place installed a zipline for Camp 1:27, an experience for foster, adoptive and relative placement children across Central Alabama. Many of the children who attend the camp have experienced trauma, instability, and limited access to recreational opportunities. The zipline introduced a safe, structured activity that builds confidence, encourages healthy risk-taking, and fosters a sense of accomplishment. Raleigh’s Place intends to serve up to 150 campers in 2026.
Parenting, Budgeting, and Educational Classes for New and Prospective
Care Net of Chilton County provided comprehensive parenting education to expectant parents and families to equip them with the knowledge and confidence needed to raise healthy, resilient children. Care Net purchased evidence-based parenting curriculum, educational materials, participant workbooks, and classroom supplies. They served 120 people and helped strengthen families, promoted healthy child development, and empowered parents to build safe, loving and stable homes.
Through the Door: Advancing Firefighter Readiness in Chilton County
The Chilton County Firefighter Association enhanced firefighter training capabilities through the acquisition of a forcible door entry prop and two high-quality rescue manikins. The association has already hosted 7 training sessions with the equipment, significantly improving the hands-on training resources available to firefighters across Chilton County and preparing them for real-world emergency situations.
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 Chilton County Legislative Delegation. Special thanks to Sen. April Weaver, Sen. Clyde Chambliss, and Rep. Van Smith, and Rep. Russell Bedsole for their commitment to supporting locally driven solutions to strengthen Chilton County.
“This [grant celebration] really brings it full circle for us as legislators,” said Sen. April Weaver. “For us to be able to be here and see the tax dollars brought back into the community for worthwhile projects such as this, it really just makes all the difference in the world for us. And I just want to thank you for all that you do for our community and for being here today.”
Rep. Van Smith spoke of his appreciation of the dollars being directed to meet the real needs of community organizations. “The other thing that we sometimes lose sight of is the fact that these dollars get you where you need them, and they’re put right back into the economy,” he said.
Sen. Clyde Chambliss closed the remarks by reflecting on how the projects impact the community, noting that “the common thread is two things: life and quality of life. Pretty much every one of these grants addressed one or both of those.” He continued by thanking the grantees for attending, remarking “I know it’s time out of your day and schedule, but we appreciate it. We go to a lot of meetings and a lot of presentations, but these are one of the most rewarding for us, because we see where it’s actually making a difference.”
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.
