GRANTS PAVING THE WAY IN NOXUBEE COUNTY
In 2015, when Renee Sanders was still volunteer coordinator for United Way of Lowndes County, the organization received a grant from Volunteer Mississippi that allowed it to work with nonprofits in Noxubee County. Nearly five years later, Sanders – now executive director – officially added Noxubee County as a full member of the Columbus-based chapter. A ribbon-cutting ceremony and announcement in February formally christened the United Way of Lowndes and Noxubee Counties and while the chapter’s only physical presence remains in Columbus, coming under the umbrella of United Way means nonprofits in Noxubee County can now benefit from the full slate of grants and resources the organization provides.
Most of United Way’s fundraising comes through employee pledge campaigns at area businesses. BankFirst and Noxubee County Hospital have already started such campaigns and Noxubee County residents who work in Lowndes County can pledge to United Way and specify they want their contributions used in their home county. The United Way chapter supports dozens of organizations in its coverage area through grants focused on education, financial stability, health and disaster relief. Notable nonprofit partners include such agencies as Salvation Army, Sally Kate Winters and 4-H, among others.
Interested nonprofits can contact Sanders at United Way to apply for grants.
MACON LOOKS FOR ROAD PROJECT FUNDS, SCORES MULTIPLE GRANTS FOR EQUIPMENT
In 2019, when heavy rains washed out Nate Wayne Road in Macon to the point it was impassable, it took nearly $50,000 of city funds to build a temporary detour route. For a more permanent solution, Mayor Bob Boykin is applying for a $320,000 Community Development Block Grant from the Mississippi Development Authority for culverts, resurfacing and other infrastructure to repair the washout.
There’s no word yet on approval for that award, but other grant funding has already proven vital to the small Noxubee County seat over the past six months.
The United States Department of Agriculture has provided about $101,000 through its Rural Development grant program, including $49,000 toward a backhoe for the city’s utility department; $40,000 for pagers, turnout gear and a new air compressor for the fire department; and $12,000 for new computers at City Hall. For each grant, the city provided a 25-percent match.
BROOKSVILLE IMPROVING SEWER SYSTEM AND STREETS
The town of Brooksville is using a $450,000 Community Development Block grant to upgrade its 40-year-old sewer system. Brooksville was awarded the grant in 2018, and though above-average rainfall in recent months has delayed the work, Mayor David Boswell said he expects the project to be completed by March or April. Most of the work has centered on repairing holes that had either worn in the sewer lines or been caused by tree roots over time.
The town has recently been approved for a $150,000 grant through the Mississippi Municipal League to resurface parts of East Depot, South Post Office and Main streets. Town leaders are also seeking up to $300,000 in loans to fund more street projects and have requested proposals from financial institutions to that end.
USDA bolstered Brooksville’s equipment inventory through the Rural Development grants program as well, providing roughly $85,000 toward a vehicle for the police department along with a Dodge Ram pickup, tractor and bush hog for public works.
STORY BY ZACK PLAIR
PHOTOS BY DEANNA ROBINSON
