HOKES BLUFF– Nine schools, emergency-response agencies, and community organizations across Etowah County are receiving a combined $75,331.29 for local projects.
Coosa Valley Resource Conservation and Development Council recently joined State Senator Andrew Jones, State Representative Mark Gidley, community leaders, and grant recipients at Hokes Bluff High School to celebrate the nine FY2026 awards.
The projects will support local schools, fire and rescue departments, educational programs, and community initiatives throughout Etowah County.
Jones thanked the recipients for recognizing needs within their communities and taking the initiative to seek funding.
“I just want to thank y’all for all that y’all do, because without y’all, none of this would be possible,” Jones said. “There are probably a hundred more great ideas like this that we would love to fund, but it is a matter of stretching dollars and cents.”
Jones said the organizations selected for funding submitted strong applications and demonstrated records of serving their communities.
“Y’all were the lucky ones that got it because you took the initiative to apply, and you had a great track record,” Jones said.
He also discussed the importance of returning state funding to local communities through organizations such as Coosa Valley RC&D.
“We want to keep sending some of your tax dollars through RC&D, where we can get it back and y’all can use it to fund great things like this,” Jones said.
Gidley also thanked Coosa Valley RC&D and the grant recipients for their work throughout Etowah County.
“We do appreciate Coosa Valley RC&D and the opportunity that they provide,” Gidley said. “Thank you for applying for this, because it is out here and available.”
In addition, Gidley emphasized the relationships among legislators, local organizations, and community leaders.
“The greatest thing is hopefully trying to make some connections so these kinds of things can take place,” Gidley said. “That is the most important thing, what we bring back to the community and what we can do to help better our communities, our schools, our fire departments and our cities.”
Nine Projects Receive FY2026 Funding
The nine awards listed in the project sheet independently total $75,331.29, matching the amount announced by Coosa Valley RC&D.
Etowah County Get Outside Initiative — $15,000
The Windy Van Hooten Teaching Garden received funding for the countywide Get Outside Initiative.
The program supports opportunities for residents and students to participate in outdoor learning and educational activities.
Gadsden State Advanced Manufacturing Center Courtyard Furnishings — $7,469.51
Gadsden State Community College received funding to furnish the courtyard at its Advanced Manufacturing Center.
Plans include benches, picnic tables, and other features designed to create an outdoor gathering and study space for students and visitors.
Gadsden State President Alan Smith said the Advanced Manufacturing Center has served hundreds of enrolled students and welcomed thousands of visitors since it opened. Visiting students also use the courtyard during field trips to the facility.
Performing Arts Project at Hokes Bluff High School — $5,000
Hokes Bluff High School received funding to upgrade the sound system in its auditorium.
The equipment supports school programs, band events, athletic activities, community gatherings, and the school’s annual Veterans Day program.
School representatives said the new system has improved the overall event experience. It also allows staff members to operate the equipment more efficiently.
Understanding the Scientific Method and Scientific Laws — $7,500
Gaston High School received funding for a science education project.
The project is designed to strengthen students’ understanding of the scientific method and scientific laws through educational resources and hands-on learning.
Hokes Bluff Girls Softball Training Facility — $5,000
The City of Hokes Bluff received funding to support a training facility for the Hokes Bluff girls softball program.
Gadsden Fire Department Water Rescue Gear — $9,000
The Gadsden Fire Department received funding to purchase water rescue equipment.
The equipment will help emergency personnel respond safely and effectively during water-related emergencies.
LifePak 15 Medical Defibrillator and Monitor — $15,000
New Union Volunteer Fire Department received funding toward the purchase of a LifePak 15 medical defibrillator and patient monitor.
The equipment will assist first responders as they provide emergency medical care within the department’s service area.
Attalla Fire Technical Rescue and Stabilizing Struts — $6,361.78
Attalla Fire Rescue received funding for technical rescue equipment and stabilizing struts.
Emergency responders can use the equipment to stabilize vehicles and structures during rescue operations.
Carlisle Elementary Outdoor Classroom — $5,000
Carlisle Elementary School received funding to develop an outdoor classroom.
The project will provide students and teachers with another setting for instruction and hands-on educational activities.
Partnerships Help Address Local Needs
During the celebration, representatives from the funded organizations explained how the grants will help address specific needs and expand their services.
The event also highlighted the partnerships among local organizations, state legislators, and Coosa Valley RC&D.
Coosa Valley RC&D serves an 11-county region. The organization works with legislators, schools, municipalities, nonprofit organizations, and community partners to support projects that strengthen local communities.
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