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Southeast Alabama Regional Planning and Development Commission
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Welcome to Our Newsletter
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Our department-sectioned newsletter provides insights and updates from each department within our organization. Discover the latest initiatives, projects, and achievements that drive our mission forward.
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2025 SEARPD&C Annual Meeting
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Strengthening Partnerships Across Southeast Alabama
The Southeast Alabama Regional Planning & Development Commission proudly hosted its 2025 Annual Regional Meeting at the Enterprise Civic Center. This year’s gathering brought together municipal leaders, county officials, and community partners from across the region to celebrate collaboration and shared progress.
The event highlighted key accomplishments in community and economic development, early childhood education, transportation planning, and workforce initiatives, underscoring the collective impact of regional partnerships. Attendees had the opportunity to connect, exchange ideas, and learn about ongoing projects that continue to enhance the quality of life throughout Southeast Alabama.
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Building Partnerships for Regional Growth
The meeting brought together local leaders, regional representatives, and our legislative guests — Senators Donnie Chesteen, Josh Carnley, Billy Beasley, and Representative Rick Rehm — for a day of discussion, collaboration, and celebration. Together, attendees exchanged ideas and explored strategies to advance growth, planning, and community development across Southeast Alabama.
These conversations underscored the value of strong partnerships between local governments and state leadership in addressing shared challenges and building a more prosperous region.
We are deeply grateful to our Board members, sponsors, and guests, and especially to these elected leaders whose presence and engagement helped make this year’s gathering a meaningful success. Their continued collaboration is vital to sustaining progress and opportunity throughout the region. We are especially thankful to Mayor William Cooper and the City of Enterprise for hosting our event.
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Thank You to Our 2025 Annual Meeting Sponsors
Platinum Sponsors:
Civil Southeast Engineering Group, Andalusia, AL
The Crosby Company, Selma, AL
Gallagher Insurance, Troy, AL
River Bank and Trust, Dothan, AL
Poly, Inc., Dothan, AL
Pea River Electric Cooperative, Ozark, AL
Wiregrass Electric Cooperative, Inc., Hartford, AL
Covington Electric Cooperative, Andalusia, AL
Dothan Area Chamber of Commerce/Grow, Dothan AL
Southern Engineering Solutions, Andalusia, AL
Slingluff Insurance, Dothan, AL
Alabama Power Company, Eufaula, AL
Gold Level:
Praestare Engineering, Dothan, AL
South Alabama Electric Cooperative, Troy, AL
Sain Associates, Inc., Birmingham, AL
Crown Consulting Group, LLC, Bay Minette, AL
Power South Energy, Montgomery, AL
Silver Level:
Goodwyn, Mills & Cawood, Inc., Montgomery, AL
David Hicks & Associates, Dothan, AL
C Spire, Troy, AL
Vision Management Services, Tampa, FL
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HEAD START PRESERVICE
Pictured is our Head Start program team, led by Director Robiann Gilbert, as staff prepare for Pre-Service training. Pre-Service is a vital component of Head Start, designed to refresh knowledge and skills in key areas such as special education, health and safety, classroom readiness, and family engagement.
This annual training goes beyond professional development—it builds teamwork, sparks new ideas, and reinforces our shared commitment to helping children and families thrive. By investing in staff preparation at the start of each year, Southeast Alabama Regional Planning and Development Commission (SEARP&DC) Head Start ensures our educators and support teams are fully equipped to provide high-quality services and create nurturing, supportive environments where every child can succeed.
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ANDALUSIA HEAD START PRE-K GRADUATION
Southeast Alabama Regional Planning and Development Commission staff proudly supported the youth at the Andalusia Head Start Pre-K graduation. This joyful event not only celebrated the achievements of these bright young students but also underscored the importance of community in encouraging lifelong learning. Families, teachers, and community partners all came together to cheer on the graduates, making it a truly special day filled with smiles, pride, and excitement for the future. Events like this remind us that investing in children today lays the foundation for stronger communities tomorrow.
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MEGA CONFERENCE 2025
SEARP&DC was proud to take part in the Alabama Mega Conference—the state’s largest professional learning event bringing together educators, community partners, and organizations dedicated to building brighter futures. Over the course of the event, participants had the chance to dive into dynamic sessions on early childhood education, family engagement, and innovative strategies designed to strengthen communities and support families across Alabama.
For SEARP&DC, it wasn’t just about learning—it was about connecting. Our team had the opportunity to share insights, collaborate with statewide partners, and bring home fresh ideas to enhance the work we’re doing right here in Southeast Alabama.
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Community and Economic Development (CED) Department Updates
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The Southeast Alabama Regional Planning and Development Commission has been selected to lead a $1.2 million Brownfields Assessment Coalition Grant. Grant funds will be used to conduct Phase I and Phase II environmental site assessments. Grant funds also will be used to develop nine cleanup plans and support reuse and community engagement activities. Targeted areas are the cities of Elba and Eufaula and the Highway 231 Corridor in the City of Ozark.
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Community Development Block Grant Supports Daleville Demolition Efforts
The City of Daleville recently received $177,210 in Community Development Block Grant dollars to demolish dilapidated structures. The city has demolished 10 structures to date.
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Paving Progress in Madrid
SEARP&DC recently assisted the Town of Madrid with a street improvements project. The town was awarded a Community Development Block Grant to resurface Decatur Street and pave Selma Street. The total grant amount was $229,000 and Madrid provided $59,147 in local cash matching funds to bring the project to fruition. The improvements benefitted 47 persons, of which 82.98% were low to moderate income.
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The CED Department assisted with the following applications submitted for Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding consideration.
- The Town of Cottonwood submitted a 2025 CDBG application for sewer system improvements. The project will include the rehabilitation of existing sewer collection lines and manholes. The grant amount requested is $400,000 with a local cash matching commitment of $40,156. The project will benefit 352 persons (75.85% low to moderate income).
- The City of Elba submitted a 2025 CDBG application for water system improvements. Elba is requesting $464,500 in grant dollars to be matched with $47,000 in local cash funds. The proposed project will replace antiquated water lines and fire hydrants. It is anticipated that 86 persons (86.04% low to moderate income) will benefit from the improvements.
- The Town of Lockhart submitted a 2025 CDBG application for sewer system improvements. Lockhart is requesting $400,000 in grant dollars to be matched with $40,000 in local cash funds. The proposed project will rehabilitate the deteriorating outfall line that discharges into the wastewater treatment plant. The project will benefit the entire Town of Lockhart, which is 55.0% low to moderate income town wide.
- The Town of Newton submitted a 2025 CDBG application for sewer system improvements. The project will include the expansion of the sewer disposal system operated by the Waterworks and Sewer Board of the Town of Newton. The grant amount requested is $400,000 with a matching fund commitment of $40,000. The project will benefit 108 persons (96.30% low to moderate income).
- The City of Ozark submitted a 2025 CDBG application for street improvement. Ozark is requesting $479,525 in grant dollars to resurface 14 city streets. The city has committed to a local cash match of $53,280 and the project will benefit over 2,000 residents of which 76% are considered to be low to moderate income.
- The City of Slocomb submitted a 2025 CDBG application for demolition. The city is proposing to demolition 10-12 dilapidated structures. The requested grant amount is $185,000 with the city providing $18,500 in local cash matching funds. The project will benefit the entire population of Slocomb.
- The Town of Webb submitted a 2025 CDBG application to resurface Bump Road. The requested grant amount is $354,526 and town officials have committed to a local cash match of $36,000. The project will benefit the 95 residents that live on Bump Road, of which 100% are low to moderate income.
- The Henry County Commission submitted a 2025 CDBG application to resurface County Road 14 (approximately 3.5 miles). The requested grant amount is $500,000 and county officials have committed to a local cash match of $64,770. The project will benefit the 155 residents that live on County Road 14, of which 81% are low to moderate income.
- The Houston County Commission submitted a 2025 CDBG application to resurface Grove Street/Hickory Grove Street (approximately 5 miles). The requested grant amount is $500,000 and county officials have committed to a local cash match of $243,780. The project will benefit the 204 residents that live on Grove Street/Hickory Grove Street, of which 85.29% are low to moderate income. This is a heavily traveled rural road that has a daily average traffic count of 728 cars and trucks.
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Wiregrass Transit Authority Updates
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Ride to End Hunger: SEARP&DC Food Drive
The Southeast Alabama Regional Planning and Development Commission (SEARP&DC), in partnership with the Wiregrass Transit Authority, is hosting a Food Drive for the Wiregrass Area Food Bank from November 3–7, 2025.
Riders in Enterprise and Dothan can donate two (2) non-perishable food items in exchange for one-way fare during the week-long event. Monetary donations are also welcome and will be directed to the Wiregrass Area Food Bank.
Collection boxes will be available on all Transit buses and at both
Transit office locations:
📍 Dothan: 201 Depot Street, Dothan, AL 36301
📍 Enterprise: 102 Commerce Drive, Enterprise, AL 36330
Help us ride to end hunger and support families in need across the Wiregrass!
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Honoring Our Board of Directors
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The Southeast Alabama Regional Planning & Development Commission extends heartfelt appreciation to our Board of Directors for their outstanding leadership, vision, and dedication to serving the communities of Southeast Alabama. These committed individuals represent cities, counties, and organizations across our region, working together to promote progress, collaboration, and opportunity.
We are especially grateful to We are especially grateful to Chairman Rod Morgan, First Vice-Chairman Rob Hinson, Second Vice-Chairman Matt Parker, and Secretary/Treasurer Jimmy Money for their continued leadership and service.
Our sincere thanks also go to all our board members — including Toby Seay, Jack Tibbs, Jr., Frances Shipman, Jason Davis, Rachel Smith, Marrilu Salmon, Sammy Glover, Leah Harlow, Tom Maddox, Gladys Yelverton, Jimmy Jones, Scotty Johnson, Jonathan Lockett, Michael Smith, Joe Richburg, Charlotte Hunt, Patricia Gunter, Zollie Hudson, Steve McKinnon, Jayme Stayton, Derek Dickens, John Cawley, William Birdsong, David Hayes, Paul Rose, Kelli Dillard Brannon, Ray Marler, Henry Grimsley, Lori Wilcoxon, Jay Jones, Emmanuel Bankston, David Money, Brandon Shoupe, Kimberly Trotter, David Crutchfield, and Michael Smith — whose service and commitment strengthen our organization and the region we proudly serve.
Together, their leadership helps ensure SEARP&DC continues to build stronger, more connected communities across Southeast Alabama.
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SEARP&DC Staff Appreciation
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Recognizing Years of Dedicated Service
We extend our heartfelt thanks to Gail Clark, who retired September 30, and to Jimmy Payne, retiring in October, for their many years of dedicated service and commitment to our mission. Their hard work, professionalism, and positive spirit have left a lasting impact on our team and the communities we serve. While we will greatly miss their daily presence and contributions, we celebrate their well-earned retirements and the next exciting chapters ahead. Please join us in wishing Gail and Jimmy much happiness, good health, and new adventures in the years to come.
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New Staff and Promotions
We are also excited to welcome Shawnna Andrews, Special Projects Coordinator; Felita Duncan, Education Coach; Alicia Garrison, Safety & Training Coordinator (Transit); Kaye Lynn Hataway, Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP) Coordinator; and Claire McReynolds, Health Assistant to our team. Their talent will strengthen transit safety and training, outreach, board coordination, classroom support, health services, and senior employment initiatives.
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Southeast Alabama Regional Planning and Development Commission | 462 North Oates Street | Dothan , AL 36303 US
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