Investing in Cullman County

CULLMAN, Ala. – Representatives from the Alabama Mountains, Rivers & Valleys Resource Conservation & Development Council joined local leaders and organizations on Monday, Oct. 20, 2025, at main branch of the Cullman County Public Library System to celebrate this year’s grant recipients and recognize the impact of community improvement projects across Cullman County.

Alabama Mountains, Rivers & Valleys Resource Conservation & Development Council Executive Director Renona Seibert and Drayton Cosby of Cosby Development & Service Advisors led the event, joined by Sen. Garlan Gudger, R-Cullman and former Rep. Randall Shedd. Together, they thanked the many organizations they said continue to strengthen Cullman County through collaboration and vision.

Said Gudger, “This community takes what it’s given and multiplies it. Every time we invest in Cullman County, those funds are turned into something bigger for the people.”

Cullman County organizations were awarded approximately $102,114 in grant funding. The grants are funded by Alabama Mountains, Rivers & Valleys Resource Conservation & Development Council and the Cullman County legislative delegation.

This year’s recipients and projects include:

• Cullman County Commission/Cullman County Agricultural Trade Center: New equipment will prepare arena floors more efficiently while reducing water waste – $15,000

• City of Good Hope/Playground surfacing: Installation of rubber mulch will improve playground safety and comfort for children – $5,000

• Jones Chapel Volunteer Fire Department/Traffic safety: New cones and safety flares enhance visibility at accident scenes and landing zones for air ambulances – $5,000

• The Foundry Ministries/Irrigation system training: A new drip line irrigation system helps participants in addiction recovery gain hands-on agricultural skills – $5,000

• Town of Colony/Handicap-accessible parking: Newly paved parking areas at town hall and the Educational Complex improve accessibility for residents and visitors – $5,000

• Cullman County Industrial Development Authority/Tools of the Trade Career Fair: The event introduced eighth graders to hands-on career exploration opportunities – $5,000

• North Alabama Agriplex Foundation/Teaching kitchen: Kitchen equipment for new 8,525-square-foot teaching and community facility – $7,000

• Cullman County Public Library/Circulation counter renovation: Updated circulation area has transformed the library’s front entrance into a more inviting and efficient space – $8,000

• The Link of Cullman County/Pantry upgrades: Modernized People’s Choice Pantry improves service to local families in need – $10,000

• Cullman County Commission/Hanceville High School baseball field structure project: New restrooms at the baseball field enhance safety and accessibility for students and spectators – $17,114

• Cullman County Commission/Clarkson Covered Bridge emergency flood funding – $20,000

Alabama Mountains, Rivers & Valleys Resource Conservation & Development Council officials said these projects demonstrate how partnerships between the state legislature, local governments and community organizations continue to make lasting improvements across Cullman.