Innovate Alabama awards almost $800,000 for two UNA projects

FLORENCE – The University of North Alabama has been named as the recipient of two awards in the third round of designees of the Innovate Alabama Network. The awards total almost $800,000 through the Network Designation Grant and Project Grant programs.

“The Innovate Alabama Network is a catalyst, creating and strengthening our statewide network for  innovation programming and bolstering entrepreneurship in all types of communities across the  state,” said Cynthia Crutchfield, CEO of Innovate Alabama. “We are encouraged by the continual growth of interest in the program, spurred by momentum built in the first two rounds of the awards. Innovate Alabama is eager to harness this excitement to support designees through our most engaging and connective resources yet.” 

UNA and the Muscle Shoals National Heritage Area, in partnership with the Tennessee RiverLine, the City of Sheffield, and communities in North Alabama, received a $749,950 Project Grant for a project to overcome barriers to recreation on and along the Tennessee River that includes three key areas: 

1. The Alabama scope of Tennessee RiverLine’s Planning and Design standards project that  will provide a comprehensive toolkit of innovative yet practical planning, design, and  management guidance for river access areas, parks, trails, campgrounds, and pavilions;  signage will be developed to accelerate new infrastructure investment. 
2. A paddlecraft launch in Sheffield that will serve as the first ADA paddlecraft launch on  Alabama’s 203-mile reach of the Tennessee River. It will also be the river’s first access area optimized for use by motorized and non-motorized recreational boaters. 
3. Five shareable kayak fleets of 70 total kayaks will be purchased for Alabama communities enrolled in the Tennessee RiverLine’s River Towns program to facilitate free recreation programs to grow participation and demand for river experiences.  

“Projects we will accomplish in collaboration with the Tennessee RiverLine, the City of Sheffield, and our other partners across North Alabama will provide a tremendous opportunity to enhance our  region’s outdoor recreation infrastructure for an expansive audience, including rural areas and others  with limited opportunities to engage in outdoor recreation activities,” said TJ Johnson, programs manager of the Muscle Shoals National Heritage Area. “Our work will improve safety for all river users, activate non-motorized recreation along the Tennessee River for all communities, and catalyze economic growth for North Alabama.” 

Brad Collett, executive director of the Tennessee RiverLine with UT Extension, said opportunities like the one afforded to the area through the Innovate Alabama grant can be  transformational. 

“The Tennessee RiverLine is built on the belief that transformational impact is possible when  communities, organizations, and individuals work together toward a shared vision,” he said. “As a proud sub-recipient of this Innovate project grant, we celebrate UNA and the Muscle Shoals National Heritage Area’s partnership to secure this opportunity and for their steadfast commitment to regional collaboration. 

“This investment will amplify our collective efforts to enhance access to the Tennessee River, strengthen the entrepreneurial ecosystem in North Alabama’s RiverTowns, and unlock new economic and recreation development opportunities for communities along the river. We look forward to continuing this journey with our partners, ensuring the Tennessee River remains an  invaluable resource for all.” 

Through an Innovate Alabama Network Designation Award, the Sanders College of Business and Technology received $47,619 to support other innovation programs and entrepreneurial initiatives. 

“Being a part of the Innovate Alabama network helps empower the Sanders College of Business and Technology to offer additional resources for community engagement,” said Dr. Doug Barrett, interim dean of the college. “The grant through the Muscle Shoals National Heritage Area will support transformative initiatives for the Tennessee RiverLine recreation system.”