POWERGRAMS

100% CONNECTED Such a lot of world to see … Moon River Canoe Launch will provide entering point to Cahaba River and beyond Canoe enthusiasts will have a launch site between Irondale and Leeds. The Alabama Power Foundation has joined the nonprofit Freshwater Land Trust, the cities of Leeds and Irondale, and conservation and economic development organizations to build the Moon River Canoe Launch on the banks of the Cahaba River. Construction of the project off U.S. Highway 78 between Irondale and Leeds will begin in the fall and be completed next year. It will be a marquee site on the Cahaba Blueway, tying into the Red Rock Ridge and Valley Trail System under construction. "We're excited to be a participant in a project that's important for protecting the environment and for improving the quality of life for people here and across the state," said Matt Bowden, vice president of Environmental Affairs. Also involved in the project are the Cahaba River Society, The Nature Conservancy of Alabama and Alabama Innovation Engine. The launch is named after a combination river camp/gas station/ dance hall that was nearby in the 1930s. "This project brings together two recreational initiatives and two amazing municipalities," said Wendy Jackson, executive director of the Freshwater Land Trust. "It combines the community-supported initiative of the Red Rock Ridge and Valley Trail System with the vision of the Cahaba Blueway. And it wouldn't have happened without the support of the Alabama Power Foundation." The Cahaba River is Alabama's longest stretch of free-flowing river, a drinking water source for the Birmingham area and a hotspot of biological diversity, Jackson said. The Cahaba Blueway is expected to provide public access sites for recreation. Chris Oberholster, state director of The Nature Conservancy, said he is pleased to have the Alabama Power Foundation involved in the blueway. He said Alabama Power has supported many important conservation initiatives during the past 25 years. Leeds Mayor David Miller and Irondale Mayor Tommy Joe 6 Alexander praised Alabama Power for its support of the project. The two cities will join forces to provide maintenance and security at the canoe launch. "This is something good that we could do together," Miller said. The launch is a designated site on a network that will connect Jefferson County communities. The Red Rock plan proposes more than 200 miles of greenways and trails, and more than 600 miles of street-based bicycle and pedestrian paths. By Michael Sznajderman

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