Projects to help restore streams in Phenix City and Prichard will benefit from new grants through the Five Star Restoration program, Alabama Power announced today.
"Five Star Restoration is just one element of Alabama Power's commitment to work with diverse partners to conserve our state's important natural resources," said Matt Bowden, the company's vice president for Environmental Affairs.
Alabama Power participates in the Five Star Restoration program as part of Southern Company's partnership with the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF), the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the National Association of Counties and the Wildlife Habitat Council. Alabama Power is a subsidiary of Atlanta-based Southern Company.
"This year's Five Star Restoration grants will help citizens implement important conservation projects in their communities. They'll also foster ongoing environmental stewardship," said Jeff Trandahl, NFWF executive director and CEO. "We're pleased to support a program that unites the best efforts of public, private and corporate funders."
"The Five Star Restoration program in the Southeast is an excellent example of building partnerships, empowering communities and restoring our natural resources," said EPA Regional Administrator Gwen Keyes Fleming. "This program brings together students, conservation corps, other youth groups, citizen groups, corporations, landowners and government agencies to provide environmental education and training through projects that restore wetlands and streams."
In Phenix City, a $39,100 grant awarded to Auburn University and partners will be used to stabilize 500 feet of extremely eroded stream banks along Holland Creek, near the mouth of the Chattahoochee River. The restoration project will include improvements to help slow the flow of water in the creek, which has contributed to the erosion and to the deterioration of water quality.
