The Northwest Alabama Resource Conservation and Development Council recently provided a grant to EMA workers across five counties to purchase equipment for frontline workers – including Franklin.

The grant was for a total of $14,499.70 to be divided evenly among Franklin, Colbert, Marion, Winston and Lauderdale counties.

“We are really thankful for them for this help,” said Franklin County EMA Director Mary Hallman-Glass.

Hallman-Glass said the money was used to purchase N-95 masks, surgical masks and gloves, which were picked up by each EMA program to distribute to frontline workers.

“Due to the COVID-19 crisis, Northwest RC&D knew that many agencies were dealing with shortages of both supplies and funds to purchase the supplies, so we decided to use this project as a way to help all of the five counties we serve,” said RC&D Council executive director Lauranna James.

James said she hopes the supplies will be beneficial to each EMA in helping to cut down on the number of COVID-19 cases and keep frontline workers safe.

“It is with great pleasure that Northwest RC&D Council is able to serve the five counties in the northwest region of Alabama through the assistance and support of the legislators of the state of Alabama,” James said. “We appreciate their support of RC&D Councils throughout the state, and Northwest RC&D hopes to continue to serve the needs of our local communities.”