In south Alabama, PICO leaders from the Fairhope/Point Clear Local Outreach Committee, part of All Congregations Together (ACT II) of Baldwin County, partnered with the city of Fairhope to win a $318,000 grant to finish installing a mile-and-a-half section of sidewalk on a heavily traveled section of highway.

Two years ago, members of the Fairhope/Point Clear Local Outreach Committee began researching ways to make Twin Beach Road safer. A number of pedestrians had been killed while walking along the busy highway, and families in the area were concerned about their children waiting for the school bus on the side of the road. Through their research, ACT II leaders discovered that the city could receive grant money for sidewalk projects. In 2007, ACT II led a successful effort to urge the city apply for the grant money, which eventually went towards paving a partial section of the road.

This past spring, city officials contacted ACT II, stating that there was another grant available to cover the cost of finishing the sidewalk project. In order to receive the funding, however, the city needed to collect over 50 letters of support in less than 48 hours. ACT II leaders mobilized quickly, gathering the letters and winning the $318,000 needed to finish this important public safety project.

For more information on Baldwin County ACT II, visit www.actii.27289.biz