BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - Nov. 14, 2006 - The Alabama Power Foundation and the Alabama Urban Forestry Association have teamed for the eighth consecutive year to award grants to local communities for the purchase of trees through the Community Forestry Program.
“Our quality of life in Alabama is enhanced by the planting of trees in our parks, schoolyards and various public places,” said Charles McCrary, president and CEO of Alabama Power. “We are proud to help local communities in this effort.”
This year, the Community Forestry Program is providing $60,000 in grants to communities and organizations throughout the state. During the past eight years, more than $400,000 in grants has been distributed to more than 300 cities, counties, schools and community groups.
"We are proud to be a part of a program that encourages communities to value the trees in and around their cities," said Cleve Formwalt, president of the Alabama Urban Forestry Association. "This program makes it possible for these communities to further develop their urban forests and to get involved in projects that help beautify their cities."
The Community Forestry Program is designed to encourage the planting of trees in urban and community settings. Many communities pair tree grants with federal funds that can be used for projects such as tree-planting master plans or tree inventories.
The Alabama Power Foundation works to improve the quality of life of Alabamians and strengthen the communities in which they live. Since 1990, the foundation has granted more than $90 million to worthy projects across Alabama. Details about the foundation are available at www.alabamapowerfoundation.com.
Alabama Power, a subsidiary of Atlanta-based Southern Company (NYSE: SO), provides reliable, affordable electricity to more than 1.4 million customers across the state. The company is celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2006. Learn more about Alabama Power at www.alabamapower.com.
More information about the Alabama Urban Forestry Association is available at www.aufa.com.
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