Environmental Grants Awarded to Local Organizations by Tennessee American Water

Supporting local organizations who address a watershed or source water protection need, Tennessee American Water awarded a total of $8,750 through its environmental grant program. The Tennessee American Water Environmental Grant Program supports local organizations with environmental initiatives focused on innovative, community-based and sustainable projects.

The 2015 grant recipients and corresponding projects are as follows:

• Lookout Mountain Conservancy – “Environmental Connection: Connecting Youth with Water and Land” This is the fourth phase and the fourth year that Tennessee American Water supports this unique partnership between the Lookout Mountain Conservancy and at-risk youth who are connected to the land and water in a way that transforms the lives of the participants. The project consists of continued restoration of 1+ acres of land, which is a steep kudzu and trash covered ravine draining to Chattanooga Creek and the Tennessee River.
• Hamilton County Coalition – “Community & Regional Awareness and Drug Disposal Project” As a partner with Tennessee American Water for annual “Drug Take Back” events, the Coalition has expanded its outreach to include surrounding counties. The grant will allow them to continue to educate citizens on the proper disposal of medications to keep them out of the environment as well as potential misuse in their homes. It will also allow for additional permanent drug drop-off disposal locations.
• Tennessee River Gorge Trust – “Improving TRGT Bird Banding Facilities in Partnership with Southeast Conservation Corps” This is the second year that Tennessee American Water supports the TRGT’s Bird Observatory and related bird- banding research. This project will provide critical infrastructure to the Bird Observatory area with the engagement of youth through the Southeast Conservation Corps who will implement the improvements.

”We appreciate these community organizations which play an important role in preserving the Tennessee River watershed through their engaging programs,” said Tennessee American Water President Deron Allen. “These projects reflect the kind of spirit that has won national recognition for the area and its connection to the outdoors.”

ABOUT TENNESSEE AMERICAN WATER

Tennessee American Water, a subsidiary of American Water (NYSE: AWK), is the largest investor-owned water utility in the state, providing high-quality and reliable water services to more than 370,000 people in Tennessee and northern Georgia. Founded in 1886, American Water is the largest publicly traded U.S. water and wastewater utility company. With headquarters in Voorhees, N.J., the company employs approximately 6,600 dedicated professionals who provide drinking water, wastewater and other related services to an estimated 14 million people in more than 40 states and parts of Canada. More information can be found by visiting www.amwater.com .

ABOUT LOOKOUT MOUNTAIN CONSERVANCY

The mission of the LMC is to protect Lookout Mountain’s scenic, historic and ecological resources, through conservation, advocacy, recreation and education, for current and future generations. From Hamilton County, Tennessee to Etowah County, Alabama, LMC works to protect significant scenic, historic and ecological sites by connecting existing conservation areas. LMC provides environmental education and information to landowners and other interested parties about land conservation options. And, LMC promotes greenway development and conservation planning. http://lookoutmountainconservancy.org/

ABOUT HAMILTON COUNTY COALITION

Since its inception in 2006, the Hamilton County Coalition has operated as a community-based “change agent.” The Coalition’s geographical boundaries cover more than 550 square miles, encompassing both rural and urban communities. The mission is to facilitate safe&healthy, drug-free communities through comprehensive strategies and community-based collaborations. http://www.hccoalition.org/

ABOUT TENNESSEE RIVER GORGE TRUST

The mission of the TRGT is to preserve the Tennessee River Gorge as a healthy and productive resource through land protection, education, community engagement, and good land stewardship practices. The Trust was founded in 1981. Since then, TRGT has protected over 17,000 acres in the Tennessee River Gorge. http://www.trgt.org/#homepage