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The Town of Lowndesboro was the recent recipient of a grant that allowed for the paving to the entrance of Marengo, the historic home that also serves as the Town Hall and meeting center.

Erosion had made entry into the long driveway difficult for visitors and a $2,816 grant for paving helped make the entrance easier and ensure that visitors won’t have difficulty attending meetings at the venue.

Mid-South RC&D, a non-profit organization that specializes in bringing people and planners together to identify and implement solutions addressing local issues partnered with state Sen. Malika Sanders-Fortier and state Rep. Kelvin Lawrence to promote the Lowndesboro Town Hall Paving Project, funded by Mid-South RC&D.

“This driveway entrance is very important,” Mayor Anne Spooner said. “On behalf of the Town of Lowndesboro, I want to say thank you.”

William “Bill” Martin, executive director of the Mid-South RC&D Council said the group was glad it could help the Town of Lowndesboro with its need.

“You’ve got a beautiful venue here,” he said. “I want to start by thanking Sen. Sanders-Fortier and Rep. Lawrence for what they do for Mid-South RC&D. It allows us to reach out and make a difference in small cities and counties. We’re very proud to be able to help. This is just a great thing. If you have someone that has an idea that may need some help, then that’s what we’re here for. Let’s work together to make a difference both in human capital and in natural resources.”

RC&D Program Director “Noopie” Cosby, a former state legislator himself, spoke about the importance of the program.

“This is just a small project, but little things make big things happen,” Cosby said. “People come and visit and now they have great access to come up to. This is really nice. Lowndes County is so fortunate two have two legislators that are on the budget committee. Sen. Sanders-Fortier and Rep. Lawrence are initially responsible for funding the RC&D program. Without them getting things going, things like this wouldn’t happen. There are going to be more projects in Lowndes County to be announced. We’re glad to be of help to you.”

Sen. Sanders-Fortier was excited to be a part of the announcement.

“I thank God for the opportunity to have this small beginning,” she said. “It is a step along the way to great things. Thanks so much for your vision and concern about the driveway. I’m excited to be able to work with RC&D and with all of you. These moments are special. My hope is that it will keep growing and growing.”

Rep. Lawrence also spoke about the occasion.

“It’s a great day,” he said. “We’re so thankful that RC&D was able to lend a helping hand. RC&D has a great team in the Legislature in keeping us informed on how we can pull together and make sure projects like this happen.”

The Mid-South RC&D program secures funding from the state legislature and grant funding to be primarily dispersed through the community by way of grant requests, which serves the needs of the eight-county Council area.  Mid-South RC&D is one of nine councils that cover Alabama, serving Autauga, Butler, Bullock, Elmore, Lee, Lowndes, Macon, and Montgomery Counties.

The goal of Mid-South RC&D Council is to improve each county represented by working together, developing leadership, coordinating skills, and sharing available funds and talents. 

Please visit http://midsouthrcd.org for more information on the program.