In effort to break drug-crime nexus, Kay Ivey awards grant for drug rehabilitation in state prisons
The State of Alabama is continuing to take steps to help inmates at state prisons overcome drug addictions that may have led or contributed to their prison terms. On Wednesday, Gov. Kay Ivey awarded $504,892 in grant funding to the Residential Substance Abuse Treatment (RSAT) program to help break this drug-crime nexus. The program is six-month course that will be conducted at seven prisons —Bullock Correctional Facility; Bibb Correctional Facility; Donaldson Correctional Facility; Easterling Correctional Facility; Staton Correctional Facility; Tutwiler Correctional Facility; Ventress Correctional Facility — with the intention of breaking the link between drug addiction and criminal activity. “We should strive to ensure that once a person is released from prison they will become a productive member of society,” Ivey said. “This program provides inmates the opportunity to escape their drug habit while in prison and create a new slate when they are released.” According to Bob Horton, Public Information Manager at ADOC, “the grant more than doubles the funding that the treatment program has received in previous years, which will enable the ADOC to expand services.” The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs (ADECA) is administering the program from funds made available to the state from the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ). The DOJ describes that is goal of the RSAT Program “is to break the cycle of drugs and violence by reducing the demand for, use, and trafficking of illegal drugs. RSAT enhances the capability of states and units of local government to provide residential substance abuse treatment for incarcerated inmates; prepares offenders for their reintegration into the communities from which they came by incorporating reentry planning activities into treatment programs; and assists offenders and their communities through the reentry process through the delivery of community-based treatment and other broad-based aftercare services.” RSAT in Alabama In Alabama, the six-month RSAT Program curriculum is divided into three phases of treatment that are two months each. “In the program’s first phase, inmates who are enrolled take part in full-time treatment activities aimed at dealing with denial of addiction, recognition of drug abuse consequences, understanding of the addiction cycle, and a thorough understanding of the recovery cycle,” Horton explained. “The program’s second phase exposes inmates to recovery issues closely related to substance abuse such as anger management, character defects, criminal thinking, and poor coping skills and habit development. In the third phase, the program focuses on relapse prevention and aftercare planning while working to develop positive life skills.” The ADOC offers aftercare dorms with 768 beds to those who are enrolled in the program to allow a person to spend time practicing and refining their daily addiction recovery. The program will be conducted by counselors who specialize in drug addictions and inmates receive drug screenings while in the program to monitor their success and to measure the program’s effectiveness. “Our main objective is to foster a person’s sobriety and to help them develop a responsible lifestyle once they return back to their community,” said Horton. As of August 2018, 314 prisoners have completed the RSAT program in 2018. Ivey notified Alabama Department of Corrections (ADOC) Commissioner Jeff Dunn the FY2018 grant had been approved.
Richard Shelby announces $3.2M grant for new research facility at Troy University
A $3.2 million grant has been awarded by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) to build a new research facility at Troy University. Alabama senior U.S. Senator Richard Shelby announced the grant Friday that will go to build the Center for Materials and Manufacturing Sciences (CMMS), which will serve as a facility for researching recycled plastic materials. “The new facility at Troy University will serve as an avenue for groundbreaking research, creating an environment for students to learn the issues involving polymers and develop impactful solutions for the plastics industry,” said Shelby. “I am confident that this funding will promote economic development throughout Troy and the surrounding area by training the workforce of the future.” The $3.2 million grant from NIST will provide Troy with a three-year grant to fund research involving the properties of polymers in plastics during the course of recycling and manufacturing. The new facility will give students the opportunity to learn about the issues and solutions related to plastics recycling. The work at the new center will be guided by an industry road mapping exercise and technical advisory board. The first phase of the funding is primarily intended to develop existing labs to include capabilities in polymer characterization, testing, and processing. CMMS will serve as a fully integrated multi-disciplinary research facility that will aid across majors and academic ranks. Undergraduate students will be encouraged to enter into research early in their academic career in order to develop a sustained and deeper understanding of the field. Faculty researchers and students will form the mainstay for the Center. The establishment of the center will facilitate and enhance Troy University’s present partnering with the local polymer and plastics industry in order to increase competitiveness in the marketplace. This will assist in improving the targeted industries’ ability to retain and increase job production while also allowing for expansion of products and markets – both locally and globally.
Amid budget overages, Montgomery Fire/Rescue receives much-needed $3.5M grant
Just when things were starting to looking fiscally grim, as news broke that the Montgomery Fire/Rescue (MFR) Department had shockingly exceeded its overtime budget by over $2M thus far in 2018, the city was awarded a much-needed federal grant that will help keep operations running smoothly. U.S. Senator Richard Shelby on Tuesday announced the $3,553,843 award as a part of the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Staffing for Adequate Fire & Emergency Response (SAFER) grant program. “The funding will ensure the city has the proper resources and staff to adequately respond to emergency medical, fire, and rescue incidents throughout the area. I am proud that FEMA has awarded this SAFER grant to facilitate increased safety and security in the City of Montgomery,” said Shelby. As of mid-August, MFR had spent $2.2 million on overtime. That amounts to $2,079,470 more than expected, or 1,411 percent over budget. The $3.5 million grant will be used to help hire additional firefighters and first responders over a three year period to achieve and maintain proper staffing levels. “We could not be more grateful to Sen. Richard Shelby for his role in helping Montgomery secure this SAFER grant to increase the number of firefighters who serve and protect our capital city,” said Montgomery Mayor Todd Strange. “The additional 33 firefighters provided by this grant will help us meet the increasing demand for suppression and emergency medical services. Sen. Shelby’s support for this grant award speaks to his abiding commitment to the public’s safety and his unflagging work on behalf of our city and state.” SAFER grants are awarded to fire departments and national, state, local, tribal, or territorial organizations that represent the interests of firefighters.
Gates Foundation’s new school initiative awards $1.1M grant for JeffCo schools
Twelve schools in Jefferson County, Ala. are working together to improve 8th and 9th grade math through a Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation grant to the Southern Regional Education Board (SREB). The $1.1 million grant is one of 19 grants announced Tuesday by the foundation. SREB will use the grant to launch a network of 10 secondary schools that will focus on increasing the proficiency rates of Black, Latino, and low-income students on 8th grade math and 9th grade Algebra 1 in the Jefferson County part of Birmingham, Ala. “A poor start in high school math derails far too many students, but we can change that course if we find what works to prepare them,” said SREB President Stephen L. Pruitt. “By managing two networks — one urban and one rural — we will be able to learn and share critical lessons about improvement cycles within and across schools with similar challenges.” This summer, to understand the underlying causes of poor math performance, SREB began working with Jefferson County educators to collect data and conduct focus groups with students and teachers. Teams within and across schools are harnessing the power of the network to investigate problems and share solutions. Some have begun plan-do-study-act cycles to test strategies. Over time, promising solutions will be shared across the network to gather more data and further improve them. “We’re unpeeling the onion, figuring out why we’re not making progress, so teachers can find strategies for these individual students in these specific schools,” said Lauri Johnson, SREB organizational improvement director. “This is a singular opportunity to develop a continuous improvement mindset that focuses deeply on the needs of each student.” Urban and Rural Networks for School Improvement Jefferson County urban network schools Corner High School Corner Middle School Minor Middle School Minor High School Bragg Middle School Erwin Middle School Gardendale High School Oak Grove High School Irondale Middle School Shades Valley High School Hueytown High School Center Point High School Rural network 10 schools to be announced in late 2018 SREB and Jefferson County have partnered since 2015 on school improvement strategies across the district’s middle and high schools.
Birmingham gets grant for electric buses
Birmingham’s public transportation agency is getting federal money to help it go electric. The U.S. Transportation Department says the Birmingham-Jefferson County Transit Authority will receive $1.5 million through a grant program. The federal agency says the money is supposed to be used for purchasing battery-run electric buses and charging stations. The Birmingham grant money is among more than $84 million that’s being provided in 41 states to update buses and other transportation infrastructure with advanced propulsion technologies. Birmingham is the only Alabama city receiving money through the program. Republished with permission from the Associated Press.
Richard Shelby secures Auburn University $3M for 3-D printing research
The U.S. Department of Commerce’s National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has awarded $3,087,090 to Auburn University for research and the development of techniques to improve the additive manufacturing, also known as 3-D printing, industry. “Auburn University has become a national leader in the field of additive manufacturing,” said Senator Richard Shelby, who announced the grant on Wednesday. “This NIST grant will provide Auburn the unique opportunity to innovate and empower engineering industries, boosting efforts to promote the continued economic growth of our manufacturing sector. The research, training, and development that will take place as a result of this funding will allow the university to advance additive manufacturing and continue competing on a national stage.” Unlike traditional manufacturing processes that require machining to create components, additive manufacturing allows manufacturers to fabricate parts layer-by-layer from metals, plastics or other materials using a 3-D computer-aided design model. Because parts are made by building upon each layer, additive technology reduces waste in the manufacturing process, allows for the creation of highly complex shapes and can create parts that are both lighter and more durable than those made using traditional manufacturing methods. The technology is revolutionizing the manufacturing industry, giving engineers new methods to create custom parts for manufacturers in the aerospace, biomedical and automobile industries as well as in other areas. “Additive manufacturing is revolutionizing industries ranging from aviation to medical instruments to automotive,” added Auburn University President Steven Leath. “Thanks to Senator Shelby, the State of Alabama is providing national leadership in developing and refining these technologies that foster economic opportunity, improve quality of life and strengthen our country’s infrastructure.” With the help of this NIST award, Auburn University will work to address various issues challenging the additive manufacturing industry. Specifically, the initiative will: Conduct cutting-edge research Train and educate graduate and undergraduate students Develop and promote technological innovations that advance the pace of the additive manufacturing industry. This new funding from NIST will allow Auburn’s National Center for Additive Manufacturing Excellence (NCAME) — founded through a collaboration between Auburn University and the National Aeronautic and Space Administration (NASA) — to expand its programs to include new research on metrology, which is the measurement and characterization of 3-D printed parts, and advanced process models that will allow engineers to predict the properties and performance of these 3-D printed parts. The research resulting from this grant will have a strong technical and economic impact on various industries in the United States.
Kay Ivey awards grant to assist sexual assault victims statewide
The Ivey administration on Thursday announced a nearly $400 thousand grant to an Alabama-based sexual assault victim support group. The $390,972 grant was awarded to the Alabama Coalition Against Rape, a statewide nonprofit organization that assists victims of sexual violence and works to prevent others from being victimized. “It is very unfortunate that this crime exists, but we must face the reality that it does and that victims need access to professional aid,” Ivey said. “The Alabama Coalition Against Rape and its associate organizations have steadfastly been there to support victims and offer them the services they need to overcome their ordeals.” The Alabama Coalition Against Rape has been helping provide legal, medical and counseling services to victims throughout the state since 1995 and has been an advocate for laws and public policy regarding sexual abuse and rape. The coalition, made up of more than a dozen agencies that provide regional services for victims, also has sought to bring awareness of the crime through its educational programs. In addition, the coalition provides training for allied professionals and networks and maintains connections with other private and public agencies to address sexual violence issues. The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs (ADECA) is administering the grant from funds made available by the U.S. Justice Department. “ADECA joins Gov. Ivey in supporting this program and ensuring victims are given appropriate resources to get their lives back in order,” ADECA Director Kenneth Boswell said. “The support provided through the coalition’s member agencies are vital to achieving that goal.” Ivey notified Chandra Brown, coalition president, that funds had been approved.
Alabama Power Foundation awards $150,000 grant to HudsonAlpha
The Alabama Power Foundation has awarded a $150,000 grant to the HudsonAlpha Institute of Biotechnology to help expand gene research education to students across Alabama. HundsonAlpha plans to grow its new program, Characterizing Our DNA Exceptions (CODE), by engaging small groups of college students with authentic genomic research. The students will computationally analyze DNA variants – a practice known as bioinformatics – from real-world, anonymous clinical samples. Current sequencing technologies make it possible to obtain the entire genetic code of an individual in a matter of days. Often, the process detects DNA variants, or genetic changes, that are not well understood because they have not been studied. These changes are known as variants of uncertain significance, or a VUS. The HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology will use a $150,000 Alabama Power Foundation grant to expand bioinformatics to colleges throughout the state. (Getty Images) “A VUS undergoes extensive analysis and testing to determine whether it has a role in the development of a trait or disease, a process that is very time-consuming,” said Michele Morris, Workforce Development lead at HudsonAlpha. “Because of this, VUS interpretation has historically been conducted in larger universities. Through CODE, we want to lower those access barriers.” In doing so, HudsonAlpha is collaborating with five Alabama colleges and universities across a broader scope of academia. Schools range from nonprofit, to large community colleges, historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs), and liberal arts: Alabama College of Osteopathic Medicine Alabama State University Birmingham-Southern College Lawson State Community College Wallace State Community College Each school will select a faculty member to serve as program adviser who will then select five to 10 students to participate in CODE. HudsonAlpha researchers and educators are hosting a two-day workshop for advisers May 14-15. Dr. Jeremy Prokop presents at a workshop at HudsonAlpha to prepare advisers in the Characterizing Our DNA Exceptions (CODE) program. (HudsonAlpha) “It has always been the mission of the Alabama Power Foundation to support advances in our state. As technology continues to evolve and innovation is more vital than ever, it is important that we continue to expose Alabama’s students to cutting-edge initiatives to ensure their success,” said Myla Calhoun, president of the Alabama Power Foundation. Since its creation in 1989 with funds donated by shareholders, the foundation has supported Alabama communities, educational institutions and nonprofits with nonratepayer dollars through more than 20,000 grant and scholarship awards. “Programs like this one can be real game changers for these students, and we are proud to provide support,” Calhoun said. Pilot schools will participate in CODE for the 2018-2019 academic year. Students will present their work at a pilot group symposium in March 2019. Following the initial experience, pilot schools will be eligible to continue participation for a second year. This fall, HudsonAlpha will begin recruiting 25 more schools. “Enormous amounts of genomic data are being generated on a daily basis, so CODE participants will have access to that data and work to characterize newly identified DNA variants,” said Neil Lamb, Ph.D., vice president for Educational Outreach at HudsonAlpha. “We hope this experience will inspire more Alabama students to pursue a career in the STEM fields such as genomics and bioinformatics.” Republished with permission from the Alabama News Center.
Calhoun Community College gets $1.5M grant for auto tech center
An Alabama community college has been awarded a $1.5 million federal grant for its planned automotive technology training center in Decatur-annexed Limestone County. Decatur Daily reports the grant was announced Wednesday for the Calhoun Community College’s center, which is expected to cost more than $7 million. Calhoun officials said in September that they had already received a $1.5 million grant from the state for the center, which will offer students a two-year associate’s degree. Calhoun spokeswoman Janet Kincherlow-Martin says the school plans to use reserve funds to pay for costs not covered by the grants from the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration and the state. She says the college hopes to begin construction this summer and have the 23,400-square-foot building ready for classes in fall 2019. Republished with permission from the Associated Press.
Alabama Power Foundation announces seven Elevate grant recipients
The Alabama Power Foundation has awarded seven Elevate grants to nonprofit organizations across the state. The Elevate grant program empowers organizations by providing funds for community-centered projects, hosting capacity-building workshops and providing networking opportunities within the nonprofit community. The 2017-2018 Elevate grantees are: Anniston Museum League Children of the Village Network – Livingston Dale County Board of Education Family Promise of Montgomery The Literacy Council of Central Alabama – Birmingham Shelby County Arts Council Victory Health Partners – Mobile Each grantee receives a $10,000 grant in 2017 and a $5,000 challenge grant in 2018, and will participate in at least one workshop in 2018 to help them grow and find ways to expand their positive impact in the community. “We seek innovative ways to meet the evolving needs of organizations, and help educate our grantees on how they can do the same for the communities they serve,” said Myla Calhoun, president of the Alabama Power Foundation. “That’s one of the most important elements of the Elevate grant program.” “The Alabama Power Foundation not only award funds and provides networking opportunities, we also introduce new tools and resources, which can open the door to previously unknown opportunities,” Calhoun added. “I am always impressed with our grantees and their ability to maximize these opportunities. I have no doubt this year’s recipients will do the same.” Elevate is one of several grant programs funded by the Alabama Power Foundation. To learn more about Elevate, as well as other Alabama Power Foundation and Alabama Power community programs, please visit www.powerofgood.com. Since its creation in 1989 with funds donated by shareholders, the Alabama Power Foundation has supported Alabama communities, educational institutions and nonprofits through more than 20,000 grants and scholarships using nonratepayer dollars. Republished with permission from the Alabama NewsCenter.
Kay Ivey awards $3.3 million to enhance recreation in Alabama
Alabamians will soon have even more ways to enjoy the outdoors thanks to $3.3 million in grants awarded by Gov. Kay Ivey to expand recreational trails in several communities across the state. Ivey has awarded 18 grants to help improve or construct recreation venues in nine municipalities, numerous state parks, a university campus and several other trail systems throughout the state. “Outdoor trails lead to healthier minds and bodies, and they are a great investment in our state and communities,” said Ivey. “I welcome these new or improved trails, and I encourage everyone to visit one and experience the outdoors that Alabama offers.” The grants were awarded from funds made available to the state from the Federal Highway Administration’s Recreational Trails Program. The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs (ADECA) administers the program in Alabama. “Gov. Ivey and I both applaud those elected officials, individuals and organizations who work so hard to improve recreation opportunities in their communities,” ADECA Director Kenneth Boswell said. “I am pleased that ADECA is a partner in this process to enhance recreation and make our communities better places to live.” The Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, which manages Alabama’s state parks, was awarded three grants totaling $564,400. A $300,000 grant will help build a nature trail for low-powered, reduced-noise motorized vehicles like golf carts, at Lakepoint State Park in Eufaula. A $64,400 grant will enable the department to build a diverse-use trail at Joe Wheeler State Park near Rogersville. The department will use a $200,000 grant to buy trail maintenance and construction equipment for the building and upkeep of trails throughout the state parks system. Below is a description of other grants, listed geographically from north to south: Limestone County Commission – $128,800 to upgrade the 10.8-mile-long Richard Martin Trail including repairing two bridges, installing two interpretive signs, controlling erosion and completing a trail assessment study. The trail extends from just north of Athens to the Tennessee state line. Athens – $200,000 for a 1,200-foot-long extension of Swan Creek Greenway, purchasing one acre and constructing a new trailhead at the newly acquired property. Decatur– $199,985 to construct an 825-foot-long, 8-foot-wide multi-use trail along Wilson Street. The trail, which will also be an extension of the Dr. Bill Sims Bike Trail, connects Rhodes Ferry Park and Ingall’s Harbor Pavilion. Cullman City Utilities Board – $193,092 to construct three trailheads along the 21-mile-long, multi-use trail at Duck River Reservoir. Cullman County Commission – $550,473 to construct a bathhouse and multiple wash stations at Stoney Lonesome Off-Highway Vehicle Park near Bremen. The 1,456-acre park, which has received previous Recreational Trail Program grants is a motorized park that accommodates small and large vehicles and has a campground. Shelby County Commission– $200,000 to construct a trailhead and a five-mile-long, multi-use trail at Cahaba River Park. Childersburg – $200,000 to expand the Kymulga Grist Mill park property with an additional 160 acres, construct seven miles of multi-use trails, install a trailhead and pave the parking area. Cahaba Medical Foundation (Centreville) – $120,000 to renovate and expand the Centreville Riverwalk and construct a scenic overlook and access for kayaks/canoes to promote increased recreation traffic along the Cahaba River. Tallapoosa County Commission – $200,000 to resurface a quarter-mile-long, multi-use track at Dadeville High School. Lanett – $41,840 to construct about a half-mile walking trail at Lanett Central Park with security lighting, signage and landscaping. Troy University (Troy) – $200,000 to build a 1,200-foot-long trail along McKinley Drive and an 800-foot-long trail along Luther Street adjacent to Janice Hawkins Cultural Arts Park. Pine Hill – $49,084 to resurface the existing walking trail and add new lights at the city park. Thomasville – $60,984 to construct a 10-foot-wide, 1,200-foot-long walking trail at Thomasville Community Playground. Mobile County Commission – $182,160 to construct a 10-foot-wide, three-quarter-mile paved multi-use trail at Chickasabogue Park. Trailside benches will be added. Orange Beach – $116,532 to construct a .65-mile trail to connect the Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail to the Orange Beach Sportsplex. The connecting trail will loop around a lake and a natural area.
National Governors Association selects Alabama for workforce development grant
Alabama has been selected by the National Governors Association Center for Best Practices as one of six states to participate in a policy academy focused on work-based learning aimed at producing a skilled workforce, Governor Kay Ivey announced on Monday According to a new release from Ivey, work-based learning blends work experience and applied learning to develop foundational and technical skills in hopes of expanding a person’s education, career and employment opportunities. “When I announced my Strong Start, Strong Finish education initiative, I made clear my desire to give Alabamians the best opportunities possible to obtain the skills necessary to be competitive in the workforce,” Ivey said. “I am thankful to the National Governors Association for choosing Alabama to work collaboratively with other states to develop concrete plans to develop our workforce.” As part of the NGA policy academy, Alabama along with Idaho, Illinois, Nevada, North Carolina and Rhode Island, will share best practices; develop plans to identify and scale high-quality programs; and develop policies to support and sustain work-based learning initiatives. Specifically, a focus will be placed on creating opportunities for youth and young adults, ages 16 -29, to get hands-on experience in STEM industries, such as advanced manufacturing, health care, information technology and energy. “As our automotive, aerospace and technology sectors continue to expand, it is critical that Alabama begins preparing our people now for the work that surely is to come to our state,” Ivey continued. “Workforce development is a key factor in attracting new businesses and a critical component for encouraging existing firms to expand. Developing quality workers is so important. I am ever so grateful to those who helped secure this grant for Alabama; their work is going to help put other Alabamians to work.” The NGA work-based learning policy academy is funded by the Siemens Foundation. Alabama was only one of six states to be chosen from 16 applicant states.
