MONTGOMERY— Gov. Robert Bentley has announced two Appalachian Regional Commission grants totaling $150,000 to improve science and outdoor education opportunities in the Fort Payne area.
A $100,000 grant will enable One World Adventure to begin renovations to a building in downtown Fort Payne that will serve as the base for the nonprofit organization to provide environmental and outdoor education activities for youth and their families. A $50,000 grant to the Fort Payne city school system is refurbishing a science and chemistry lab at Fort Payne High School.
“Instruction in science and our natural environment are keys to helping us understand and appreciate the world around us,” Bentley said. “I am pleased to support these projects to expand educational opportunities for students in the Fort Payne area.”
One World Adventure will renovate 6,000-square feet of the former Quinn Hotel building, which was donated to the organization for development as a hub for environmental education activities. The renovations will add classroom space and serve as headquarters for the organization’s outdoor activities in and around Little River Canyon and Desoto State Park.
Fort Payne school officials say the high school’s science and chemistry lab was built 50 years ago and is in need to renovations and updated equipment. Once the modern equipment and required safety features are installed, the school will be able to teach more advanced chemistry, physics and science classes to about 300 students per year.
media release/State of Alabama
