The American Water Charitable Foundation, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization created by American Water, awarded a grant to the Union Sportsmen’s Alliance (USA) to improve water-based recreational activities in three communities. The $25,000 grant will bring together union members and American Water employees to volunteer their time and skills to water-related conservation projects in Charleston, W. Va.; Chattanooga, Tenn.; and Peoria, Ill.
The grant, which was announced at the USA’s 2nd Annual West Virginia AFL-CIO Conservation Dinner on April 18, will pair the USA’s all-volunteer Work Boots on the Ground program with projects that benefit three American Water communities by improving public access to water-based recreational opportunities or enhancing the environmental sustainability of existing recreational areas. Launched in 2010, Work Boots on the Ground brings together union members willing to volunteer their time and expertise to projects that conserve wildlife habitat, mentor youth in the outdoors, improve public access to the outdoors or restore America’s parks.
“American Water employees are proud members of the communities we serve. That’s why we are committed to not only delivering the highest quality water and wastewater service possible but also participating and investing in programs that benefit these communities through the American Water Charitable Foundation,” said American Water President and CEO Susan Story. “Our employees who are in union-represented jobs are among the most talented and skilled professionals in the nation, and we are very excited to provide financial and staff support to Work Boots on the Ground projects that will enhance the outdoor experience of our customers, our employees and their families.”
“To every conservation project union members take on through Work Boots on the Ground, they bring an unmatched work-ethic, superior trade skills and a desire to give back to their community,” said USA Executive Director and CEO Fred Myers. “We commend American Water for its good corporate citizenship in supporting its Foundation and this program, and we look forward to working together to improve public access to the recreational opportunities that clean water provides.”
During the April 18 dinner, West Virginia American Water announced an additional $10,000 grant for the Charleston, W.Va. Work Boots on the Ground project.
“A large number of West Virginia American Water employees are avid outdoor enthusiasts, hunters and fishers, and this project aligns employee interests with community-based initiatives that preserve and promote our natural resources,” said West Virginia American Water President Jeffrey McIntyre. “This additional donation will help ensure that we complete a top-notch project in the Charleston area to benefit our customers and our employees.”
Source: American Water
