State Sen. Tim Melson (R-Florence) announced two community grant recipients in Alabama’s First District on Friday. Melson announced that the towns of Ardmore and Elkmont were awarded funding through the Alabama Mountains, Rivers & Valleys Resource Conservation & Development (AMRV-RCD) Council’s grant program.
“Public spaces are important assets in our communities and play a vital role in their social and economic well-being,” Melson said. “I am pleased to lead the effort to secure much-needed funding for the towns of Ardmore and Elkmont, which will significantly enhance the quality of life for residents in these two Limestone County communities. Both projects will provide improved public spaces where people can congregate and engage with one another in an outdoor environment. These projects will give residents a safe location to enjoy while also improving the development and desirability of these wonderful Alabama communities. I appreciate AMRV-RCD for its investment to help address pressing public needs, and I look forward to seeing the positive impacts that will come from these projects.”
The funding for the projects includes:
A grant of $40,000 to the town of Ardmore to provide new lighting and dirt work at the community park. This project will provide an enhanced outdoor space to congregate, exercise and hold town events.
A grant of $35,000 to the town of Elkmont to prepare earthwork and construct infrastructure for an outdoor amphitheater at Elkmont’s new Town Hall. The venue will consist of an outdoor park and entertainment space to host concerts and events and will include an improved children’s play area.
Ardmore and Elkmont Mayors Billy Shannon and Tracy Compton both thanked Sen. Melson for his work to obtain the funding for these projects.
“This project will benefit the town of Ardmore by providing LED lighting and correcting drainage issues,” said Shannon. “Enhancing quality of life is a priority for us. This project will certainly provide our citizens more opportunity for outdoor recreation, and Senator Melson was instrumental in guiding us to AMRV-RCD. Without his support, the project would not have been done. We also want to thank AMRV-RCD for their support. They are a pleasure to work with.”
“I want to personally thank Senator Tim Melson and RC&D for the support toward project funding that is key to completing an outdoor park and entertainment space to complement the new Elkmont Town Hall construction,” said Compton. “The project could not be accomplished without them.”
AMRV-RCD Executive Director Renona Seibert thanked Melson for his continued partnership.
“We have a great partnership with our legislators,” said Seibert. “Senator Melson has prioritized making sure this area receives the funds it needs to be successful, and we are thankful for his support and leadership to provide RC&D the resources needed to deliver to local citizens.”
To learn more about the Alabama Mountains, Rivers & Valleys Resource Conservation and Development Council visit their website.
Melson faces a primary challenge from John Sutherland in the May 24 Republican primary. No Democrat has qualified to run in District 1.
To connect with the author of this story, or to comment, email brandon.moseley@1819News.com.
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