Fred Guarino
The Lowndes Signal

Hayneville was one of 16 cities to benefit from Alabama Power Foundation’s more than $33,000 in Gateway grants to provide materials for signs that greet visitors to cities, towns and communities across the state.
According to the Alabama Power Foundation, the grants help communities welcome visitors and potential new businesses by providing funding to support well-designed entrances.
Hayneville Mayor Kelvin J. Lawrence said of the $1,958 grant will be used for a Gateway sign that the city will install either along Alabama Highway 97 or Alabama Highway 21.
Lawrence said it has not been determined what the sign will say at this point. But he said, “I think it’s great because we can use all the help we can from Alabama Power and all the other different agencies as well.””
John Hudson, president of the Alabama Power Foundation, said, “The Alabama Power Foundation has a goal of strengthening the communities we serve. Providing an attractive gateway into these communities can help spur economic development and maintain civic pride.”
Communities benefiting from this year’s Gateway grants in addition to Hayneville include Bay Minette, Calera, County Line, Daleville, Demopolis, Gordo, Louisville, Montgomery, Oak Hill, Pickensville, Prichard, Samson, Sumter County, Vance and York.
In its second year, according to the Alabama Power Foundation, the Gateway grant program has already impacted more than 30 communities in central and southern Alabama.
For more information on Gateway and other grant programs of the Alabama Power Foundation, visit www.alpowercharitablegiving.org.
Each year, the Alabama Power Foundation awards more than 1,000 grants, using non-ratepayer money. Since it was founded in 1989 with an investment by Alabama Power shareholders, the Foundation has given more than $130 million through more than 20,000 grants and scholarships. Its assets exceed $120 million, making it one of the largest corporate foundations in the state.