Addie McCluskey
Elmore Autauga News
Elmore County leaders, community members, and partners celebrated the impact of a $46,020 grant from Mid-South Resource Conservation and Development (RC&D) with a check presentation, Oct. 1, 2025, at Village Green Park.
Mid-South RC&D, a nonprofit dedicated to identifying local needs and creating solutions, awarded funds earlier this year for several key initiatives across Elmore County.
The Elmore County Volunteer Fire Department received the largest portion—$20,000—to replace firefighter turnout gear.
“We cannot say thank you enough for the generosity that was bestowed upon us with this grant,” said Jamie Gray, Elmore Fire Department Captain. “To outfit a firefighter from head to toe is ridiculously expensive, and we were able to purchase seven new sets of turnout gear.”
The City of Millbrook was granted $11,000 to add picnic tables and a new message board to Village Green Park, giving families and visitors a more welcoming place to gather.
“We have a wonderful, beautiful space here at the park, but we really had nowhere to sit,” said Ann Harper, Millbrook Economic Development Director. “We are just so thankful for Mid-South RC&D for investing in our future and helping us improve our quality of life.”
J.F. Ingram State Technical College (ISTC) was awarded $10,020 to purchase Snap-on Multimeter Certification Tool Kits. These kits will benefit multiple programs, from automotive repair and diesel mechanics to electrical work and engineering.
“We are heavily grant-funded, so we could not do what we do without those like RC&D,” said Butch Young, ISTC Dean of Instruction. “We try to diversify by finding technology that multiple programs can use, and these multimeters can be used in several different courses.”
The Communities Improvement Association received $5,000 to support repairs for its Kids Journey (KJ) Summer Program building, providing children with a safe, supportive place where they receive acceptance, guidance, and academic assistance.
Through projects like these, Mid-South RC&D continues its mission of strengthening communities across Alabama.
To learn more about how RC&D councils are driving local growth or to explore grant opportunities in your area, visit https://alabamarcd.org/.
