Today, Alabama Power announced grants for two state waterway restoration projects in Jefferson and Mobile counties as part of the Five Star Restoration program.

Each project was awarded nearly $25,000 by the company toward planned stream bank stabilization and clean-up efforts. Across the Southeast this year, the Five Star Restoration program is funding 11 projects protecting and restoring waterways.

“We are proud to support these worthy conservation grants through this program,” said Matt Bowden, the company’s vice president of Environmental Affairs. “These grant projects are successful because they are based on multiple partnerships among conservation groups, businesses, schools, landowners and many others.”

In Jefferson County, grant funds awarded to the Freshwater Land Trust will be used to stabilize and repair stream banks following the removal of a small concrete dam near the 226-acre Turkey Creek Nature Preserve. The creek in Pinson is home to the endangered vermilion darter, which faces a major threat from impoundments that limit its habitat. After the dam is removed, sections of the stream bank will be re-vegetated with 500 native trees, shrubs and grass plugs to stabilize the stream banks and provide important habitat.

In Mobile County, grant funds awarded to Dog River Watershed Clear Water Revival will be used to remove debris and restore habitat in the Dog River watershed. About 12,000 native plants will be planted, ultimately restoring

portions of emergent fresh and saltwater wetlands. The project will remove about 5,000 pounds of trash and transplant aquatic vegetation to revitalize red-bellied turtle and West Indian manatee habitats.

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.

Southern Company, the Southern regional lead corporate sponsor of the program, this year is providing $216,163 in Five Star Restoration grants that, combined with partner-matching funds, will result in a funding total of $999,416.

“Each of the Five Star Restoration grants awarded this year will directly benefit critical lands in our communities,” said Jeff Trandahl, executive director and CEO of NFWF. “With the continued support of Alabama Power, Southern Company and the engagement of our conservation partners, we’re improving the environment for both wildlife and residents in the Southeast.”

“EPA is proud to continue supporting the Five Star Restoration program and help promote and sponsor community-based projects to restore wetlands and streams,” said EPA Region 4 Administrator Gwen Keyes Fleming. “These projects increase people’s understanding of the importance of healthy wetlands and streams in our communities and significantly improve the environmental landscape across the Southeast.”

Alabama Power, a subsidiary of Atlanta-based Southern Company, provides affordable, reliable power to more than 1.4 million customers across the state.  Alabama Power employee volunteers work across the state on environmental stewardship projects designed to protect and enhance the state’s important habitats and natural beauty. To learn more about Alabama Power’s environmental commitment, please visit www.alabamapower.com and click on “Environment.”