FCCDC approves grants to Red Bay Elementary, RHS Soccer

The Franklin County Community Development Commission met August 21, 2026, and approved a number of grants to local schools and non-profit agencies.

The commission, which includes Brad Bolton, Jeremy Campbell and Red Bay Mayor Mike Shewbart, meets quarterly to review grant applications. The commission is comprised of two appointees from Franklin County's legislative delegation and a rotating seat between the mayors of Russellville and Red Bay. Sen. Larry Stutts reappointed Bolton and Rep. Jamie Kiel reappointed Campbell to another four-year term.

With the most recent grants, more than $3.138 million has been returned to Franklin County since the inception of the funding. The funds come from in lieu of tax payments from the Tennessee Valley Authority.

Grant awards for the August 21st meeting included:

—$2,500 to Red Bay Elementary for painting and flooring.

—$2,500 to Russellville High School football for drone and camera equipment purchase.

—$2,100 to Franklin County Archives for purchase of two Zoneline heating/cooling units.

—$250 to Belgreen kindergarten for purchase of classroom supplies and learning tools.

—$250 to Belgreen third grade for classroom supplies and learning tools.

—$250 to Belgreen first grade for classroom supplies and learning tools.

—$2,500 to RHS Soccer for drone and camera equipment purchase.

—$7,000 to Liberty Learning Foundation for annual sponsorship supporting all Franklin County and Russellville City Schools.

—$2,000 to Easter Seals of Northwest Alabama for operating expenses (transportation/curriculum).

—$1,561 to Phil Campbell High School Math Classroom for purchase of Texas Instruments calculator sets.

—$1,000 to Phil Campbell High School Band for Yamaha Electric Percussion Board.

—$800 to Phil Campbell Elementary School Reading Classroom for purchase of dyslexia friendly book sets.

—$500 to Red Bay Founders Fest Car Show for sponsorship.

—$1,218.74 to Red Bay News for Newspapers in Education expenses at Red Bay High School.

—$406.26 to Red Bay News for Newspapers in Education expenses at Vina High School.

—$1,250 to Phil Campbell High School Drama Club for purchase of equipment and stage additions.

—$6,000 to Future Economic Development Fund.

The next meeting of the FCCDC will be Friday, October 30, 2026, at 8:30 a.m., at the Red Bay City Hall. Grant requests for the October 30, 2026, meeting must be received by a commission member before 12 p.m., Friday, October 23, 2026.