UWA grant program funds projects for several area municipalities

District 65 Representative Marc Keahey recently presented a donation to Jackson Middle School to be used for the new computer lab. Accepting the donation is Stuart Etheredge, JMS assistant principal.

Through the University of West Alabama's Division of Outreach Services, four area towns and cities will receive assistance to grow and develop their communities through the University's Community and Economic Impact Grant Program.

UWA is awarding $60,000 in grant funds to be used toward professional services and training for projects that are likely to generate new income for the community, create permanent jobs or have the potential to improve the community's economy and well-being in a significant and long-lasting manner. Grants were awarded to the City of Jackson, Town of Union, the City of Livingston and the City of York.

"Earlier this year, our division solicited proposals from regional Black Belt cities, towns and communities wishing to achieve genuine economic or community growth through professional service grants to help them meet their 2008 objectives," said Veronica Beasley, coordinator for the Community and Economic Impact Grants Program.

The program supports projects designed to have a positive and long-term impact in one of the following areas: economic research, community planning, development, government compliance, tourism, emergency-readiness programs, industry recruitment and other community and economic related projects.

"Our division, as well as the university faculty, students and our regional consulting partners, are excited and ready to begin developing and implementing sound economic and community strategies to improve the quality of life in these areas. These initiatives are part of our mission to make a positive impact in the Black Belt communities we serve," said Kenneth Walker, director of the Division of Outreach Services.

The City of Jackson has already initiated the first steps to completing their comprehensive and early action plan, which was funded through the grant program. In January, the community held their first meeting, with more than 30 area residents in attendance to support this noteworthy project and to receive an informational overview of the assessment's action steps and expectations.

A second awardee, the City of Livingston, will have its kickoff meeting in late February to begin its strategic and comprehensive planning process. The Town of Union and City of York projects will commence soon thereafter.

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