Bentley announces grants to improve recreation in Autauga and Montgomery counties | News

MONTGOMERY— Gov. Robert Bentley has announced more than $95,000 in grants to enhance recreation in Autauga and Montgomery counties.

The city of Prattville and the Autauga Creek Improvement Committee were awarded grants totaling $54,350 to help the city tap into its natural heritage and improve recreation along Autauga Creek.

The Montgomery County Commission was awarded a $36,000 grant to expand recreation opportunities on the west side of the county.

“I know of no better calling card to invite people outside than a well-maintained trail or park,” Bentley said. “I commend public officials and interested citizens for their involvement in these projects and their desire to improve the areas where the live.”

Prattville will use funding to build a 3.6-acre park on property along Autauga Creek adjacent to a city lot on Doster Road. The park will have two sandbar beaches, canoe and kayak access to the creek, a playground and a picnic area. A building that previously contained a dog kennel will be renovated to provide bathrooms and a boat rental area.

The Autauga Creek Improvement Committee was awarded $14,350 to fund a the extension of a creek walking trail. The trail will be from City Hall to Doster Road artesian well pavilion. The 2,500-foot trail will have several benches and will be bordered with railroad ties while the walkway will have crimson stone to match the existing creek walk area in downtown.

The city has been working with the committee and the Alabama Clean Water Partnership to promote recreation along the creek. The creek is part of the Alabama Scenic River Trail, an extensive system of navigable creeks and rivers that enables boaters to take a scenic tour of the state and visit many of its historic sites.

The city is providing a $45,000 match in funds, equipment, labor and donated land for the project.

The Montgomery County Commission will build a trail as a beginning to Cantelou Park in west Montgomery County. The county has purchased more than nine acres at Old Selma and Booth roads for the development. Much of the design was taken from work created by students at Brewbaker Technical Magnet High School.

Bentley notified Prattville Mayor Bill Gillespie and Elton Dean, chairman of the Montgomery County Commission, that the grants had been approved.

Funding for the grants was provided to the state through two federal programs, the Department of Interior’s Land and Water Conservation Fund and the Federal Highway Department’s Recreational Trails programs. The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs is administering the grants.

ADECA administers a wide range of programs that support law enforcement and traffic safety, workforce development, energy conservation, economic development, water resources management and more.

Information Source: ADECA