September 2010 Archives
OCTOBER 26, 2010 CAMP MONROEVILLE CLG TRAINING
CAMP is a training program provided by the National Alliance of Preservation Commissions, an organization committed to sup-porting the work of local preservation commissions. National speakers will bring their expertise on the meeting topics. Past workshops in Demopolis and Mobile have received positive re-views from Alabama preservation commission members and city officials. We encourage all commission members, staff and city officials from our CLG communities and towns interested in the program to attend. Architects are eligible to receive continuing education credits for attendance.
CAMP FIRE TOPICS
Legal Issues: Covering the legal basis for commission operations including procedural due process, takings, appeals, ethics, prop-erty rights, economic hardship, and more.
Standards and Guidelines: This component provides an under-standing of the relationship be-tween Federal Standards and local design guidelines to use these tools effectively.
Public Support: Historic pres-ervation commissions regularly get bogged down in the day-to-day issues of reviewing applica-tions and forget they are public servants who should enthusiastically promote local preservation.
Participants learn how to en-gineer local support for designa-tions, survive unpopular decisions, and deal with reluctant elected offi-cials.
Local Planning Issues: A preser-vation commission is most effective when its work is a part of the larger local planning process. This session covers the essential elements of preservation planning and how to make it a part of your commission's operation.
Additional information will be presented on staffing options for small town HPC's and the eligibility requirements for properties to be designated as a World Heritage Site.
download the brochure:
From the article "A New Look at Moundville" by Kendra Strey in Alabama Journey magazine published by AAA:
Scholars do not fully understand the rise or fall of Moundville, an ancient American Indian city in the Black Warrior River valley near Tuscaloosa. A newly renovated museum located in Moundville Archaeological Park, a site that encompasses the community's remains, attempts to explain what is known about the mysterious city's past. Animated holograms, life-size casts of American Indian models, and more than 200 artifacts relate the history of this former political and religious center. The park's 28 namesake earth mounds were hand-formed platforms for civic and ceremonial buildings and the homes of nobility. Visitors can climb several dozen steps to reach the 58-foot crest of the largest mound, which archaeologists believe housed the chieftain. On Oct. 6-9, the park hosts the annual Moundville Native American Festival. Arts and crafts demonstrations, hands-on kid's activities, storytelling, and more will teach about the Mississippian culture that once thrived in this community, as well as share traditions of tribes from throughout the Southeast.
For the complete article please see the September/October issue of Alabama Journey magazine.
Scholars do not fully understand the rise or fall of Moundville, an ancient American Indian city in the Black Warrior River valley near Tuscaloosa. A newly renovated museum located in Moundville Archaeological Park, a site that encompasses the community's remains, attempts to explain what is known about the mysterious city's past. Animated holograms, life-size casts of American Indian models, and more than 200 artifacts relate the history of this former political and religious center. The park's 28 namesake earth mounds were hand-formed platforms for civic and ceremonial buildings and the homes of nobility. Visitors can climb several dozen steps to reach the 58-foot crest of the largest mound, which archaeologists believe housed the chieftain. On Oct. 6-9, the park hosts the annual Moundville Native American Festival. Arts and crafts demonstrations, hands-on kid's activities, storytelling, and more will teach about the Mississippian culture that once thrived in this community, as well as share traditions of tribes from throughout the Southeast.
For the complete article please see the September/October issue of Alabama Journey magazine.
An interactive map on the Alabama Tourism Department's website allows visitors to see the predicted fall color change for each weekend this fall. The map, a list of recommended viewing sites and aCircle of Color driving route are all available on the state tourism website at www.alabama.travel.
Large concentrations of hardwoods make Alabama State Parks some of the best places to enjoy the fall color change. Joe Wheeler has an excellent viewing spot next to the dam and near the cabin area on the Lawrence County side. Autumn scenery can be found at DeSoto State Park at Little River Canyon and DeSoto Falls. Monte Sano has views of the Tennessee Valley along the Warpath Ridge Trail and its overlook. Cheaha's Bald Rock and Pulpit Rock trails both have excellent views. Cheaha is the highest point in the state at 2,407 feet above sea level.
With cooler days and lower humidity, autumn is a wonderful time to enjoy Alabama's many fall festivals and events. Lee Sentell, director of the Alabama Tourism Department, recommends several events designed around being outdoors and enjoying the beautiful fall weather.
Large concentrations of hardwoods make Alabama State Parks some of the best places to enjoy the fall color change. Joe Wheeler has an excellent viewing spot next to the dam and near the cabin area on the Lawrence County side. Autumn scenery can be found at DeSoto State Park at Little River Canyon and DeSoto Falls. Monte Sano has views of the Tennessee Valley along the Warpath Ridge Trail and its overlook. Cheaha's Bald Rock and Pulpit Rock trails both have excellent views. Cheaha is the highest point in the state at 2,407 feet above sea level.
With cooler days and lower humidity, autumn is a wonderful time to enjoy Alabama's many fall festivals and events. Lee Sentell, director of the Alabama Tourism Department, recommends several events designed around being outdoors and enjoying the beautiful fall weather.
Outdoor events scheduled for this fall include:
· National Shrimp Festival in Gulf Shores on Oct. 7-10
· Old Town Walking Tour in Huntsville on Oct. 9
· Kentuck Festival of the Arts in Northport on Oct. 17-18
· National Peanut Festival in Dothan on Oct. 29-Nov. 6
· Original German Sausage Festival in Elberta on Oct. 30
· Alabama Frontier Days in Wetumpka on Nov. 3-7
· Pike Road Arts and Crafts Festival in Pike Road on Nov. 6
· Cayne Syrup Makin' Day in Beatrice on Nov. 6
· National Veterans Day Parade in Birmingham on Nov. 11
· Christmas on the River in Demopolis on Nov. 28-Dec. 4
A complete list of fall events is available at www.alabama.travel.
For a direct link to the Fall Color section of the Alabama Tourism Department website please see http://www.alabama.travel/activities/tours-and-trails/fall-color-trail/
For a direct link to the Fall Color section of the Alabama Tourism Department website please see http://www.alabama.travel/activities/tours-and-trails/fall-color-trail/
Featured Presenters:
Thursday:
PlaceMakers: PlaceMakers addresses the full scope of placemaking, putting their focus on the kind of viability that turns vision into reality. United by their mutual passion for creating timeless and endearing places, they are a unique collection of professionals who've committed to translating time-tested principles into purposeful efforts for quality growth.
Friday:
Hall Planning and Engineering plans towns and cities with the nation's most respected New Urban design firms. HPE's practice centers on creating walkable, context sensitive transportation solutions. HPE bridges the gap between planning (often too general) and engineering (often too specific). HPE's role focuses on transportation planning for pedestrian scale, compact urban design. Services include TND charrette support, walkable thoroughfare design, public involvement, urban complete streets, traffic engineering, growth management and concurrency analysis, parking and circulation, and preliminary design studies.
Download the agenda:
Washington, DC--The Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) is accepting applications to its largest museum grant program, Museums for America (MFA), for fiscal year 2011. Museums for America grants provide up to $150,000 in funding and support projects that strengthen a museum's capacity to serve its community.
Museums for America grants are awarded in the following areas:
- Engaging communities (education, exhibition, and interpretation)
- Building institutional capacity (management, policy, and training)
- Collections stewardship (management of collections)
Through these broad categories, IMLS supports a full range of museum activities including digitization of collections, staff training, research, exhibitions, educational programs, Web site enhancement and development, collections management, and other similar activities.
MFA grants are available to museums of all types and sizes that fulfill the eligibility criteria and are located in the United States or its territories. Applicants are required to demonstrate that proposed grant activities are clearly linked to the institution's strategic plan and will enhance the museum's ties and value to its community.
Webinars with MFA Grants Staff
Learn more about the MFA program at an upcoming webinar.
MFA program staff will talk about the grant program, the grant application process, and answer participants' questions: Thursday, September 30, 2010 at 3 pm Eastern Time
Webinar link: http://instmus.acrobat.com/mfa-applicants/
Since 2001, the State Wildlife Grants (SWG) mandatory program has awarded grants for ―the development and implementation of programs for the benefit of wildlife and their habitat, including species that are not hunted or fished...‖ To participate in the SWG program and as directed by Congress, each State, Commonwealth, territory, and the District of Columbia (State) developed a Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Plan or State Wildlife Action Plan (SWAP) for review and approval by the Service...
http://www07.grants.gov/search/search.do;jsessionid=k415MT2ZftQQSV7MspmzPppQry2LNhh2xByYnPSzGdyLKZhBJSD0!30263611?oppId=57600&mode=VIEW
The Secretary of Agriculture has a congressionally
designated advisory Council that assists the U.S. Forest Service in
establishing the grant categories and recommending the final proposals
for the Forest Service to consider. This is the National Urban and
Community Forestry Advisory Council (Council). The Council serves to
advise the Secretary of Agriculture on the status of the nation's urban
and community forests and related natural resources. The Council seeks to
establish sustainable urban and community forests, by encouraging
communities of all sizes to manage and protect their natural resources,
which can, if well managed, improve the public's health, well being, and
economic vitality, and create resilient ecosystems for present and future
generations.
Link to Full Announcement
USDA Forest Service Urban and Community Forestry Website - National Council Site
If you have difficulty accessing the full announcement electronically, please contact:
Nancy Stremple Urban Forestry Program Splst Phone 202-205-7829
The mission of the Corporation for National and Community Service (the Corporation) is to improve lives, strengthen communities, and foster civic engagement through service and volunteering.
For more than fifteen years, the Corporation--through its Senior Corps, AmeriCorps, and Learn and Serve America programs--has helped to mobilize a new generation of engaged citizens. This year, more than 1.8 million individuals of all ages and backgrounds will serve with national and community non-profit organizations, faith-based groups, schools, and local agencies to meet needs in education, health, the environment, economic opportunity, veterans, disaster services, and other critical areas.
This Notice of Federal Funding Opportunity (Notice) should be read together with the AmeriCorps regulations 45 CFR Sections 2520 - 2550 and the Application Instructions.
This Notice will be amended with additional detail on strategic objectives, national performance measures, and the review and selection process in October, 2010.
In addition, the Corporation embraces the Obama Administration's emphasis on open government. In that spirit, we are planning to move toward greater openness and transparency in our grant making processes.We plan to announce a new approach to the release of public information in the amended Notice, following grantee discussion on this topic in September. AVAILABLE DOCUMENTS:
MONTGOMERY, Ala. - Alabama catfish producers who apply -- or have already applied -- have received ―group approval‖ for participation in the Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) for Farmers program, a decision that will help streamline the application process. The application deadline is Sept. 23.
According to Mitt Walker, director of the Alabama Farmers Federation's Catfish Division, the group approval means that producers who meet program eligibility requirements are not required to certify or document eligibility under Options 1, 2 or 3 on the application form. Applicants are still required to document catfish production for the 2009 marketing year, and in one of the three immediately preceding marketing years, as well as meet other eligibility requirements.
The TAA for Farmers program, which aims to combat unfair import competition, provides training to help producers increase profitability, improve production efficiency, consider marketing opportunities, and evaluate alternative enterprises. TAA will also help develop a business plan, evaluate changes and provide funding -- up to $12,000 -- to implement changes.
Farmers who complete the first three phases of the program are eligible for up to $4,000. Those three phases require attending 12 to 15 hours of training and/or completion of training via the Internet, and the successful submission of an initial business plan. Farmers who complete the fourth phase of the program -- individualized training and development of a long-term business adjustment plan -- become eligible for an additional $8,000 in payments. Training modules for each phase of the program and the dates for the training sessions will be released in the near future. However, farmers must submit their FSA 229-1 application to the local Farm Service Agency no later than Sept. 23 to qualify.
For more information about the TAA program, visit the TAA's web page. For questions about the sign-up process or eligibility, contact your local FSA office.
(Brent, Al) September 10, 2010 ---- The Talladega National Forest - Oakmulgee District and Americorps VISTA are joining forces to host a National Public Lands Day event. Scheduled for September 25, 2010, the event welcomes all who want to celebrate their natural heritage. Join us for an opportunity to fellowship and learn about the rich natural history of the Oakmulgee District. Registration begins at 8 a.m. Lunch, gloves and a t-shirt will be provided to those who participate.
"We have a unique project planned for this year," said Cynthia Ragland, district ranger for the Oakmulgee District located in Brent, Ala. "In partnership with the Lower Cahaba Recreation and Historic Corridor initiative, we are enhancing the landscape at the Oakmulgee District office. Our goal is to create a microcosm of the longleaf ecosystem that exists in the forest with an interpretive path allowing visitors to learn about their national forests." The interpretive area will help the Oakmulgee District office be a gateway to the forest and the surrounding community by providing visitor information on the opportunities for bird watching, hiking, canoeing, mountain biking, horseback riding and hunting.
The Americorps VISTA program provides coordination for the Lower Cahaba Recreation and Historic Corridor initiative by sponsoring volunteers in the local area. Will James, a recent graduate in history and political science from the University of Alabama, is an Americorps VISTA volunteer and is coordinating the National Public Lands Day project.
The Bibb County Landfill will also be accepting trash this day, free of charge, made possible by the U.S. Forest Service in partnership with the Bibb County Commission.
If you are interested in volunteering, please contact Will James at info_talladega_oakmulgee@fs.fed.us or (205) 926-9765 ext. 214 no later than September 20, 2010.
"We have a unique project planned for this year," said Cynthia Ragland, district ranger for the Oakmulgee District located in Brent, Ala. "In partnership with the Lower Cahaba Recreation and Historic Corridor initiative, we are enhancing the landscape at the Oakmulgee District office. Our goal is to create a microcosm of the longleaf ecosystem that exists in the forest with an interpretive path allowing visitors to learn about their national forests." The interpretive area will help the Oakmulgee District office be a gateway to the forest and the surrounding community by providing visitor information on the opportunities for bird watching, hiking, canoeing, mountain biking, horseback riding and hunting.
The Americorps VISTA program provides coordination for the Lower Cahaba Recreation and Historic Corridor initiative by sponsoring volunteers in the local area. Will James, a recent graduate in history and political science from the University of Alabama, is an Americorps VISTA volunteer and is coordinating the National Public Lands Day project.
The Bibb County Landfill will also be accepting trash this day, free of charge, made possible by the U.S. Forest Service in partnership with the Bibb County Commission.
If you are interested in volunteering, please contact Will James at info_talladega_oakmulgee@fs.fed.us or (205) 926-9765 ext. 214 no later than September 20, 2010.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announces the opening of the FY 2010 Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) Grants application period. The SAFER Grants are administered by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA) Grant Programs Directorate.
In 2010, Congress appropriated $420 million to carry out the activities of the SAFER Grants. The goal of the SAFER Grants is to enhance local fire departments' abilities to comply with staffing, response, and operational standards established by the NFPA and OSHA.
The grants focus on:
The deployment and assembly sections of NFPA 1710 and/or NFPA 1720, and The respiratory protection section of OSHA 1910
The Program Guidance document for the FY 2010 SAFER Grants will be posted in the near future on the Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) Program Web site, www.firegrantsupport.com.
The SAFER Grant e-applications are automated and accessible through the web site at www.firegrantsupport.com and the U.S. Fire Administration Web site at www.usfa.dhs.gov.
An applicant tutorial will be available through the AFG Program Web site at www.firegrantsupport.com. The tutorial provides valuable grant information and walks applicants through the preparation and submittal of competitive applications. In addition, the applicant tutorial provides an overview of the funding priorities and evaluation criteria.
Applicants who have questions regarding the SAFER Grants opportunity should contact the help desk at 1-866-274-0960 or via e-mail to firegrants@dhs.gov. During the application period, the help desk will operate Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. and Saturdays 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Eastern Time.
In 2010, Congress appropriated $420 million to carry out the activities of the SAFER Grants. The goal of the SAFER Grants is to enhance local fire departments' abilities to comply with staffing, response, and operational standards established by the NFPA and OSHA.
The grants focus on:
The deployment and assembly sections of NFPA 1710 and/or NFPA 1720, and The respiratory protection section of OSHA 1910
The Program Guidance document for the FY 2010 SAFER Grants will be posted in the near future on the Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) Program Web site, www.firegrantsupport.com.
The SAFER Grant e-applications are automated and accessible through the web site at www.firegrantsupport.com and the U.S. Fire Administration Web site at www.usfa.dhs.gov.
An applicant tutorial will be available through the AFG Program Web site at www.firegrantsupport.com. The tutorial provides valuable grant information and walks applicants through the preparation and submittal of competitive applications. In addition, the applicant tutorial provides an overview of the funding priorities and evaluation criteria.
Applicants who have questions regarding the SAFER Grants opportunity should contact the help desk at 1-866-274-0960 or via e-mail to firegrants@dhs.gov. During the application period, the help desk will operate Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. and Saturdays 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Eastern Time.
Guaranteed Loans, Direct Loans and Grants are available through USDA Rural Development. Funds are available in the form of guaranteed loans through a local lender, and direct loans and grants directly from the U.S. Treasury.
RURAL BUSINESS ENTERPRISE GRANTS: Grants can be made to public bodies and private nonprofit corporations to finance and facilitate development of small and emerging private business* enterprises located in areas outside the boundary of a city of 50,000 or more and its immediately adjacent urbanized area.
*Small and emerging private business enterprise: Generally any private business which will employ 50 or fewer new employees; has less than $1 million in projected gross revenues; has, or will utilize, technological innovations and commercialization of new products that can be produced/manufactured in rural areas; and new processes that can be used in such production.
RURAL BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY GRANTS: Grants can be made to public bodies, nonprofit corporations, Indian tribes, and cooperatives. This grant program provides technical assistance to promote sustainable economic development in rural communities with exceptional needs located in areas outside the boundary of a city of 50,000 or less in population.
BUSINESS AND INDUSTRY GUARANTEED LOAN PROGRAM: Its purpose is to increase employment and improve the economic and environmental climate of rural communities by guaranteeing quality loans made by private lenders in areas outside the boundary of a city of 50,000 or more in population. Priority is given to communities and towns of 25,000 and smaller. The guarantee is a vehicle that allows a local lender to extend its legal lending limits by the portion of loan covered by Rural Development's guarantee. The guarantee normally does not exceed 80%, and loans are limited to a maximum of $10 million, although the Administrator may approve up to $25 million.
1. Final maturity will not exceed 30 years for land, buildings, and permanent fixtures, 15 years for machinery and equipment or useful life of the machinery and equipment whichever is less; and 7 years for working capital.
2. A minimum of 10% tangible balance sheet equity is required for an existing business, and 20-25% will be required for new businesses and businesses without full personal or corporate guarantees.
INTERMEDIARY RELENDING PROGRAM: Loans are available to finance business facilities and community development projects in rural areas and towns with a population of 25,000 or less. The loans are made to intermediaries who, in turn, re-lend the funds to ultimate recipients for business facilities or community development.
RURAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ZERO INTEREST LOANS: Loans are available from USDA Rural Development through eligible rural electric and telephone borrowers of the Rural Utilities Service. These loans are for the purpose of promoting rural economic development and job creation projects, including business expansions, project feasibility studies, start-up costs, business incubator projects and other reasonable expenses for the purpose of fostering rural economic development.
RURAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT GRANTS: Grants are available from USDA Rural Development through eligible rural electric and telephone borrowers of the Rural Utilities Service. These grants may be made for the establishment and operation of a revolving loan fund program to promote rural economic development and job creation projects.
RURAL COOPERATIVE DEVELOPMENT GRANTS: Available to nonprofit corporations and institutions of higher learning to assist with startup, expansion or operational improvement of a cooperative; processes that can be used in production or enterprises that add value to on-farm production.
CONTACT: Applications for the above programs should be made at the applicable Area Office. The Area Office staff will be glad to discuss services available from USDA Rural Development and explain how to prepare a written application.
COOPERATIVE DEVELOPMENT TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE is available to help rural residents form new cooperative business and improve the operation of existing cooperatives. You may contact Mary Ann Clayton at (334) 279-3624 or by Mary.Clayton@al.usda.gov.
RURAL BUSINESS ENTERPRISE GRANTS: Grants can be made to public bodies and private nonprofit corporations to finance and facilitate development of small and emerging private business* enterprises located in areas outside the boundary of a city of 50,000 or more and its immediately adjacent urbanized area.
*Small and emerging private business enterprise: Generally any private business which will employ 50 or fewer new employees; has less than $1 million in projected gross revenues; has, or will utilize, technological innovations and commercialization of new products that can be produced/manufactured in rural areas; and new processes that can be used in such production.
RURAL BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY GRANTS: Grants can be made to public bodies, nonprofit corporations, Indian tribes, and cooperatives. This grant program provides technical assistance to promote sustainable economic development in rural communities with exceptional needs located in areas outside the boundary of a city of 50,000 or less in population.
BUSINESS AND INDUSTRY GUARANTEED LOAN PROGRAM: Its purpose is to increase employment and improve the economic and environmental climate of rural communities by guaranteeing quality loans made by private lenders in areas outside the boundary of a city of 50,000 or more in population. Priority is given to communities and towns of 25,000 and smaller. The guarantee is a vehicle that allows a local lender to extend its legal lending limits by the portion of loan covered by Rural Development's guarantee. The guarantee normally does not exceed 80%, and loans are limited to a maximum of $10 million, although the Administrator may approve up to $25 million.
1. Final maturity will not exceed 30 years for land, buildings, and permanent fixtures, 15 years for machinery and equipment or useful life of the machinery and equipment whichever is less; and 7 years for working capital.
2. A minimum of 10% tangible balance sheet equity is required for an existing business, and 20-25% will be required for new businesses and businesses without full personal or corporate guarantees.
INTERMEDIARY RELENDING PROGRAM: Loans are available to finance business facilities and community development projects in rural areas and towns with a population of 25,000 or less. The loans are made to intermediaries who, in turn, re-lend the funds to ultimate recipients for business facilities or community development.
RURAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ZERO INTEREST LOANS: Loans are available from USDA Rural Development through eligible rural electric and telephone borrowers of the Rural Utilities Service. These loans are for the purpose of promoting rural economic development and job creation projects, including business expansions, project feasibility studies, start-up costs, business incubator projects and other reasonable expenses for the purpose of fostering rural economic development.
RURAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT GRANTS: Grants are available from USDA Rural Development through eligible rural electric and telephone borrowers of the Rural Utilities Service. These grants may be made for the establishment and operation of a revolving loan fund program to promote rural economic development and job creation projects.
RURAL COOPERATIVE DEVELOPMENT GRANTS: Available to nonprofit corporations and institutions of higher learning to assist with startup, expansion or operational improvement of a cooperative; processes that can be used in production or enterprises that add value to on-farm production.
CONTACT: Applications for the above programs should be made at the applicable Area Office. The Area Office staff will be glad to discuss services available from USDA Rural Development and explain how to prepare a written application.
COOPERATIVE DEVELOPMENT TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE is available to help rural residents form new cooperative business and improve the operation of existing cooperatives. You may contact Mary Ann Clayton at (334) 279-3624 or by Mary.Clayton@al.usda.gov.
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced that 37 rural utilities and cooperatives in 20 states have been selected to receive guaranteed loans that will benefit more than 60,000 rural electric cooperative consumers by financing the construction and repair of almost 7,000 miles of distribution and transmissions lines.
"USDA is investing in electric infrastructure improvements to provide reliable and affordable power to homes and business in rural America," Vilsack said. "These guaranteed loans will enable cooperatives to deliver better service to rural customers."
The $1.2 billion in funding is being awarded through USDA Rural Development's Electric Program. This program provides loans and guaranteed loans to electric utilities to upgrade, expand, maintain, and replace rural America's electric infrastructure. The Electric Program also helps fund energy conservation and renewable energy system projects.
For example, Sand Mountain Electric Cooperative in Rainsville, Ala., has been selected for a $17 million guaranteed loan to build or improve 249 miles of distribution line and make other system improvements to serve 4,258 new and existing consumers.
Funding of each recipient is contingent upon their meeting the conditions of the guaranteed loan agreement. The following is a list of rural utilities that were selected to receive funding.
Alabama
Sand Mountain Electric Cooperative has been selected for a $17,000,000 guaranteed loan to serve 4,258 new and existing consumers, build 215 miles of new distribution line, make improvements to 34 miles of distribution line, and make other system improvements.
"USDA is investing in electric infrastructure improvements to provide reliable and affordable power to homes and business in rural America," Vilsack said. "These guaranteed loans will enable cooperatives to deliver better service to rural customers."
The $1.2 billion in funding is being awarded through USDA Rural Development's Electric Program. This program provides loans and guaranteed loans to electric utilities to upgrade, expand, maintain, and replace rural America's electric infrastructure. The Electric Program also helps fund energy conservation and renewable energy system projects.
For example, Sand Mountain Electric Cooperative in Rainsville, Ala., has been selected for a $17 million guaranteed loan to build or improve 249 miles of distribution line and make other system improvements to serve 4,258 new and existing consumers.
Funding of each recipient is contingent upon their meeting the conditions of the guaranteed loan agreement. The following is a list of rural utilities that were selected to receive funding.
Alabama
Sand Mountain Electric Cooperative has been selected for a $17,000,000 guaranteed loan to serve 4,258 new and existing consumers, build 215 miles of new distribution line, make improvements to 34 miles of distribution line, and make other system improvements.
The Mobile Bay Convention & Visitors Bureau (MBCVB) announces that the City of Mobile will host the 2012 National Convention of the Marine Corps League. The convention, which is held annually at locations throughout the U.S., will bring between 4,000 and 5,000 Marine Corps League and Auxiliary members and guests from throughout the nation to Mobile for the weeklong event. It is scheduled for August 12-18, 2012, and will be hosted by the Mobile based P.L. Wilson Detachment #447 of the Marine Corps League. "It is a tremendous opportunity and privilege to be able to host the 2012 National Convention in the great city of Mobile," commented Cal Walters, Chairman of the Local Convention Bid Committee.
"This is a first not only for Mobile, but the entire State of Alabama, and we are excited to show off all that the Mobile area has to offer in 2012." With an estimated economic impact of between $17 and $18 million, this convention has been on the Mobile Bay Convention & Visitors Bureau's radar for quite some time. Leon Maisel, President and CEO of the MBCVB, remarked "This is the perfect example of the ideal convention and meetings business that we go after. Hosting a convention of this size in what is typically one of our slower months for both business and leisure visitors translates into a tremendous opportunity for many businesses throughout our city to experience a marked increase in sales and activity."
The Battle House and Renaissance Riverview Plaza Hotels will serve as anchor hotels for the event and due to the size of this convention many other local hotels will help to house a portion of the attendees as well. The Arthur R. Outlaw Mobile Convention Center will be the site of the group's business sessions, exhibits and training sessions. The week's events will include daily business meetings for both the League and the Auxiliary, a memorial service in remembrance of fallen members, and a Friday evening banquet and awards ceremony. Attendees will also be treated to numerous excursions and activities throughout Mobile County and the surrounding area. "We're certainly pleased that the Marine Corps League has selected Mobile for its upcoming convention," Mobile Mayor Sam Jones said. "The city is a perfect site to host this convention, which highlights the value and importance of the men and women in the Marines. We welcome their visit and applaud their decision to be in Mobile."
For more information on the Mobile Bay CVB please see www.mobile.org.
"This is a first not only for Mobile, but the entire State of Alabama, and we are excited to show off all that the Mobile area has to offer in 2012." With an estimated economic impact of between $17 and $18 million, this convention has been on the Mobile Bay Convention & Visitors Bureau's radar for quite some time. Leon Maisel, President and CEO of the MBCVB, remarked "This is the perfect example of the ideal convention and meetings business that we go after. Hosting a convention of this size in what is typically one of our slower months for both business and leisure visitors translates into a tremendous opportunity for many businesses throughout our city to experience a marked increase in sales and activity."
The Battle House and Renaissance Riverview Plaza Hotels will serve as anchor hotels for the event and due to the size of this convention many other local hotels will help to house a portion of the attendees as well. The Arthur R. Outlaw Mobile Convention Center will be the site of the group's business sessions, exhibits and training sessions. The week's events will include daily business meetings for both the League and the Auxiliary, a memorial service in remembrance of fallen members, and a Friday evening banquet and awards ceremony. Attendees will also be treated to numerous excursions and activities throughout Mobile County and the surrounding area. "We're certainly pleased that the Marine Corps League has selected Mobile for its upcoming convention," Mobile Mayor Sam Jones said. "The city is a perfect site to host this convention, which highlights the value and importance of the men and women in the Marines. We welcome their visit and applaud their decision to be in Mobile."
For more information on the Mobile Bay CVB please see www.mobile.org.
Some 215 towns across Alabama welcome you home this year during the Great Alabama Homecoming. It's all part of the Year of Alabama Small Towns & Downtowns- a celebration of everything that is Sweet Home Alabama. There are homecoming events and festivals going on practically every weekend through mid-December. Upcoming events include:
First Friday Homecoming- Gadsden- Sept. 3
Fort Sinquefield Reenactment- Whatley- Sept. 4
Labor Day Celebration- McIntosh- Sept. 6
Section Labor Day- Section- Sept. 6
50th Anniversary of Marshall Space Flight Center- Huntsville- Sept. 8
Welcome Home Reunion- Arab- Sept. 11
Harvest Day- Ashford- Sept. 11
Founder's Day- Mt. Vernon- Sept. 12
Riverfest Homecoming- Decatur- Sept. 17-18
Crossville Harvest Festival- Crossville- Sept. 17-19
Gateway to a Region- Leeds- Sept. 17-19
Depot Days Festival- Hartselle- Sept. 18
Locust Fork Founders Day- Locust Fork- Sept. 18
Founders Fest- Red Bay- Sept. 18
Eva Frontier Days- Eva- Sept. 18-25
Geneva Homecoming- Geneva- Sept. 24-25
Hueytown Homecoming- Hueytown- Sept. 24-26
Homecoming Weekend- Jacksonville- Sept. 24-26
Mule Day Festival- Winfield- Sept. 24-26
Coosa Fest- Childersburg- Sept. 25
Jubilee Festival- Daphne- Sept.25-26
First Friday Homecoming- Gadsden- Sept. 3
Fort Sinquefield Reenactment- Whatley- Sept. 4
Labor Day Celebration- McIntosh- Sept. 6
Section Labor Day- Section- Sept. 6
50th Anniversary of Marshall Space Flight Center- Huntsville- Sept. 8
Welcome Home Reunion- Arab- Sept. 11
Harvest Day- Ashford- Sept. 11
Founder's Day- Mt. Vernon- Sept. 12
Riverfest Homecoming- Decatur- Sept. 17-18
Crossville Harvest Festival- Crossville- Sept. 17-19
Gateway to a Region- Leeds- Sept. 17-19
Depot Days Festival- Hartselle- Sept. 18
Locust Fork Founders Day- Locust Fork- Sept. 18
Founders Fest- Red Bay- Sept. 18
Eva Frontier Days- Eva- Sept. 18-25
Geneva Homecoming- Geneva- Sept. 24-25
Hueytown Homecoming- Hueytown- Sept. 24-26
Homecoming Weekend- Jacksonville- Sept. 24-26
Mule Day Festival- Winfield- Sept. 24-26
Coosa Fest- Childersburg- Sept. 25
Jubilee Festival- Daphne- Sept.25-26
