Alabama Power will partner with city for program based on strategies developed in Georgia
The City of Marion is preparing to participate in a two-day event on October 28-29 as part of the “Developing Pathways for Next Generation Water Stewards” initiative. This project, supported by Alabama Power and the Partnership for Inclusive Innovation (PIN), focuses on addressing Marion’s aging water infrastructure through community engagement and workforce development.
According to the project’s website, the event will kick off on October 28 with a site visit to Eastman, Georgia, where officials and project leaders will tour Eastman’s water treatment and lab facilities. This visit aims to foster collaboration between the cities, as Eastman’s water management strategies serve as a model for Marion. During this visit, officials will engage in discussions about best practices for water quality management, gaining insights that will benefit Marion as it works to improve its own water systems. The visit in Eastman begins at 10:00 a.m. at Eastman City Hall.
On October 29, the focus shifts to Marion with a public event at the Old Marion Depot, scheduled to begin at 10:30 a.m. The event will feature an introduction from project leaders, local officials, and sponsors. A presentation at 11:00 a.m. will detail the goals and vision of the Developing Pathways for Next Generation Water Stewards project. This initiative includes a high school internship program aimed at educating and training Marion’s students in water quality management and STEM careers. The program also emphasizes peer mentorship and collaboration between Marion and Eastman, with the goal of improving water stewardship practices in both communities.
Mayor Dexter Hinton has expressed his appreciation for the Community Research grant that is supporting this project, highlighting how it will bridge the gap between water quality concerns and education in Marion.
The project is designed to involve Marion’s residents, K-12 schools, and city leaders in decisionmaking, with a focus on building trust and improving communication between local authorities and the community. The initiative also aims to ensure equitable access to safe drinking water for Marion’s residents.
Following the presentation, an optional sandwich lunch will be served at noon at the Old Marion Depot. The event is open to the public, and all are encouraged to attend, including local and state officials, educators, students, and community members who are interested in water stewardship, environmental justice, and workforce development.
