Duke Energy grants for Dan River Basin region top $1.6 million

CHARLOTTE, N.C., April 14, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Duke Energy today announced grants totaling $500,000 from the Water Resources Fund to be shared equally between the Community Foundation of the Dan River Region's RiverBank Fund and the Rockingham County (N.C.) Community Foundation to continue environmental enhancements and economic development along the river basin.

"The RiverBank Fund and Rockingham County Community Foundation have been good stewards of the initial grants from the Water Resources Fund," said David Fountain, Duke Energy president – North Carolina. "Projects have ranged from creating an environmental nature walk to starting a youth gardening program to launching an app providing information about trails, river access and local gardens. We're proud to support their efforts to enrich the community."

In September 2014, when the Water Resources Fund was first launched, the RiverBank Fund and Rockingham County Community Foundation equally shared a $500,000 Water Resources Fund grant. More than 20 nonprofit organizations are being helped by the grant, among them:

Madison-Mayodan Recreation Commission received $25,000 through the Rockingham County Community Foundation to enhance facilities at the existing Dan River boat access site on Route 704.

"New steel steps at the Dan River boat access on Route 704 ensure a safe area for residents and visitors; otherwise we risked having to close the site," said Fred Thompson, executive director of the Madison-Mayodan Recreation Commission. "This is about economic development and making the region attractive for visitors. Grants like this are a blessing for us."

Since 2014, Duke Energy grants to the Dan River Basin have totaled over $1.6 million to help improve water quality, increase access to waterways and expand the economic and community vitality of the Dan River Basin region.

Other grants awarded through the Water Resources Fund to organizations in the river basin include:

• In April 2015, the city of Danville Parks and Recreation (Va.) received $100,000 for its Riverwalk-Sandy River Project. The funds are helping to create a riverwalk that includes a paved trail, a bridge and a boardwalk that will serve as an extension of Danville's greenway with westward access along the Dan River.

• In December 2015, Rockingham County received $91,000 to provide river access on Dan River, riparian forest improvement and environmental education.

In addition to grants through the Water Resources Fund, Duke Energy has invested more than $500,000 in enhancements to the Abreu-Grogan Park in Danville, Va.

About the Duke Energy Foundation
The Duke Energy Foundation provides philanthropic support to address the needs vital to the health of communities it serves. Annually, the foundation funds more than $25 million in charitable grants, with a focus on education, environment, economic and workforce development, and community impact. Duke Energy has long been committed to supporting the communities where its customers and employees live and work, and will continue to build on this legacy. For more information, visit duke-energy.com/foundation.

About Duke Energy
Headquartered in Charlotte, N.C., Duke Energy is a S&P 100 Stock Index company traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol DUK. More information about the company is available at duke-energy.com. 

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