GUNTERSVILLE, Ala. – Sen. Garlan Gudger, R- Cullman, was recently recognized as 2023 Alabama RC&D Senate Leader of the Year by the Alabama Association of Resource, Conservation and Development (AARCD) Councils during the Alabama Mountains Rivers and Valley (AMRV) RC&D Annual meeting, which was recently held at Guntersville State Park.
The award is given each year for showing leadership and dedication to the advancement of conservation and natural resources while promoting economic and community development growth in Alabama.
Gudger serves as Chairman of the Economic Development and Fiscal Responsibility Committee and sits on the Finance and Taxation and Education Committee, which is responsible for appropriating funding for educational services and programs in the state of Alabama. He plays an important role in prioritizing spending.
In 2023, RC&D contributed to more than 700 projects, serving approximately 1.3 million residents.
Gudger accepted the award on behalf of his Alabama Senate colleagues and recognized AARCD for its outreach efforts across the state of Alabama and the tremendous impact it has on improving overall quality of life.
“I’m honored to be able to receive this award on behalf of my colleagues because we all need to share in this success,” said Gudger. “We cannot do this without teamwork and I’m thankful to be on your team.”
AARCD Executive Director Katie Conner thanked Gudger for his friendship and continued investment into the RC&D program which has made Alabama a national leader.
“Alabama RC&D is extremely blessed and have been put into a position where we are leading RC&D nationally,” said Conner. “Other states recognize that the relationship between RC&D and the Alabama Legislature is special.”
The RC&D program was established by the Agriculture Act of 1962 to provide a program that empowers rural people to help themselves. RC&D areas include adjacent counties that have substantial natural resources to use for economic improvement and community betterment.
There are nine RC&D councils throughout the state. RC&D Councils in Alabama are nonprofit, tax-exempt organizations within the state that are designated 501(c) (3) entities by the Internal Revenue Service.
RC&D Councils are made up of residents in an RC&D area who want a better life for themselves, their children and future generations. RC&D Council representatives and alternates are volunteers who assist RC&D.
For more information, visit www.alabamarcd.org.
