By Dennis Sherer | September 1, 2019 | Filed under: News

TUSCUMBIA-On Friday, August 30 The Northwest Alabama Resource Conservation and Development Council presented checks totaling $15,000 to three Tuscumbia events to help them boost the economy of The Shoals.

“These festivals bring tourists into our area and help boost the local economy,” said Lauranne James, executive director of the development council.

She credited Shoals legislators for helping the council obtain appropriations used to provide grants to the festivals.

“We’re just bringing the money back to the taxpayers,” said state Rep. Jamie Kiel of Russellville. “That’s a big part of our job in Montgomery.”

“It’s not our money, it’s the taxpayers’ money,” said state Sen. Larry Stutts of Tuscumbia. “We’re just bringing it back home.”

The Helen Keller Festival, held annually in June received $10,000. It’s a Dickens Christmas, Y’all, held the second weekend in December, received $3,000. The North Alabama African Heritage Festival, held the first weekend of June, received $2,000.