Tuskegee, Ala. —The Mid-South RC&D Council, Representative Pebblin Warren, county and city officials, and other locals gathered at the Jesse Upshaw Commission Chamber to celebrate the distribution of grant funds across six different entities, totaling $104,801.25. Local organizations completed projects that addressed public needs by enhancing public safety equipment, improving learning spaces and technologies, or investing in community beautification. 

“I’m thrilled in my heart to see such a nice crowd of local people here witnessing what the state of Alabama is doing for Macon County. This is what [the Alabama Legislature] does. We try to put money in departments that can give back to locals,” said Representative Warren.

Franklin Volunteer Fire Department, Reeltown Volunteer Fire Department, and the Town of Notasulga’s FY26 projects enhanced the county’s public safety. Franklin Volunteer Fire Department equipped its rescue trucks with two new SCBA packs and air bottles. This equipment protects firefighters from breathing in harmful carcinogens. Since the rescue trucks are usually the first on the scene, two firefighters are now prepared to safely enter a burning structure as soon as the engine arrives. Reeltown Volunteer Fire Department equipped its two fire engines with 1,600 feet of supply line and 2,000 feet of attack line. The Town of Notasulga distributed 450 weather radios to citizens in rural areas, enhancing emergency preparedness for those in areas with limited access to cellular and satellite service.

The Macon County Board of Education, Tuskegee Stork’s Nest, and Macon County Commission improved educational resources and facilities throughout the county. The Macon County Board of Education completed a project at Notasulga High School and at Tuskegee Public Elementary School. Notasulga High School placed triangular dry-erase desks in math classrooms, encouraging students to engage more with mathematical concepts. Tuskegee Public Elementary School developed an outdoor classroom and implemented a STEM vending machine, which increased motivation and provided students with a positive learning environment.

Tuskegee Stork’s Nest purchased necessary furniture, technology, and other learning supplies to create a hybrid learning space for future educational programs.

“Because of this partnership, our residents have greater access to tools, support, and community connection. Now, individuals can access different educational programs that focus on health literacy,” said Faye Jackson, Tuskegee Stork’s Nest Program Coordinator. “Together, we are impacting the community one family at a time.”

Macon County Commission invested in community beautification and safety with two different projects. Chairman Louis Maxwell led an initiative to place AEDs in all county facilities and to provide county employees with CPR and AED training. District Four Commissioner Jan Fountain led the Jesse L. Upshaw Commission Chamber project and installed a historic photo gallery of landmarks throughout Macon County.

Mid-South RC&D is passionate about collaborating with local organizations and placing tangible projects in communities. While every FY26 project was different, it is clear how every effort improved the quality of life for the people in Macon County.

“It goes a long way when local organizations get the resources they need to do good work. Whether it’s $5,000 or $15,000, it’s always so exciting to bring these funds back to communities,” said Commissioner and Mid-South RC&D Board Member Miles Robinson.