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The Ala-Tom RC&D gave away $55,294.90 to several local charities and community organizations on Monday during a presentation at Trustmark Bank.

The grants were awarded from both its general fund and the educational funds. The funds are made available through state legislature appropriations by Dallas County’s delegation, which includes State Sen. Robert Stewart, D-Selma, and State Rep. Prince Chestnut, D-Selma.

Chestnut said these funds made their way to Dallas County due to their connections on major state committees. Stewart sits on the General Fund committee while Chestnut sits on the Ways and Means Education committee.

“That is very good for our area because those are the financial or the money committees, and most people want to be on at least one of those committees when you come into that office,” Chestnut said. “I guess we were just in the right place at the right time, and we’re likable people because we were both selected by the chairman of those respective committees.”

Stewart echoed Chestnut’s sentiments, saying that they want to be friends to the organizations of their district. And he is excited to see the improvements they are making.

“I just want to commend you all for the work that you’re doing, making our communities better, improving the conditions of our community and different types of aspects, whether it’s tourism, economic development, youth development or healthcare,” Stewart said. “All of these things are very important to improving our quality of life.”

Coming out of the general fund were donations to Alabama Lions Sight Mobile Eye Clinic ($5,000), Baseball/Softball Park for Dallas County ($5,000); Repairing Historic Minnie Sue’s Cottage ($5,000) and unified signage for downtown businesses ($9,171.52). That represented donations of Total $24,171.52.

Education fund grants included CAC – Mandatory Reporter / Safety Training ($5,187.23), Selma PAL FY 2024 ($10,374.46), Phonics Tutoring Pilot Program at RB Hudson STEAM Academy ($5,187.23), the McRae Gaines Transformation 2025 Campaign ($5,187.24) and the Liberty Learning Foundation Dallas Co ($5,187.23). Those grants totaled $31,123.38.