By LEONARD GRAY

Managing Editor

TAFT – Dow-St. Charles Operations awarded $45,000 in grants to 11 organizations in a brief ceremony Wednesday.

The grants, issued on a competitive basis, will fund an array of projects.

The LaBranche Wetlands Watchers at Hurst Middle School received $4,600 to aid their ongoing efforts.

The Bayou Land Resource Conservation & Development received $5,000 for production of a greenhouse program for local farmers.

The Luling Land Lab of Luling Elementary School received $2,700 for their community cleanup and Science Saturday events.

The parish Department of Parks and Recreation received $5,000 toward construction of a press box for their new ball field.

The Luling Fire Department received $5,000 for educating senior citizens on fire prevention.

The St. Charles Community Outreach Program received $3,300 for their mentoring program.

The New Sarpy Improvement Association received $5,000 for restoration of a recreational park.

“Off to a Strong Start,” of the Family Center at Luling Elementary, received $1,900 for their preschooler program.

Explorer Post 15, sponsored by the St. Charles Parish Sheriff’s Office, received $2,500 for their continued activities.

The St. Charles Humane Society received $5,000 toward the purchase of a new adoption van.

Finally, the Paradis Fire Department received $5,000 for new training materials to be shared across the parish for firefighters.

Dow Site Leader Nawzer Parakh commented, “We are proud to partner with th ese organizations through Dow’s Community Grant Program, as we work together in improving the quality of life for neighbors in our community.”

The non-profit organizations had to submit proposals to qualify for the funds to assist their needs.