Developing pathways for next generation water stewards in Marion, Alabama

This project, “Developing pathways for next generation water stewards for the City of Marion, Alabama,” was a collaborative effort to address the city’s aging water infrastructure, with a focus on community engagement and workforce development. This initiative brought together the local governments of Eastman, GA and Marion, AL, residents and K-12 schools of Marion, and two research teams from Georgia Southern University and the University of Alabama. The project included a high school internship program designed to educate and train the next generation in water quality management and STEM careers, along with peer mentorship and collaboration between the cities of Eastman and Marion. By involving the community in decision-making processes, the project helped improve communication and foster trust between local authorities and residents, contributing to long-term environmental health and more equitable access to safe drinking water.

“The City of Marion appreciates the Community Research grant funding. This grant will allow the city to bridge the community gap related to water quality and education. There is an excellent team of educators and stakeholders to make this happen. Hopefully, this research will help other systems and support future improvement projects.”

-Mayor Dexter Hinton