Clifton, AZ — The Freeport-McMoRan Foundation awarded grants to four local projects through the Greenlee County Community Investment Fund.
Recipient organizations received their monetary awards and were recognized by members of the Community Investment Committee at an awards ceremony held during the Greenlee County Chamber of Commerce Mixer on Wednesday, December 11 at the Blue Door Sanctuary.
“Working in collaboration with a range of committed community partners, we’re continuing to focus on empowering citizens through opportunities to acquire a broad range of skills, education and leadership to foster community resilience and transformation that leads to sustainability,” said Tracy Bame, President, Freeport-McMoRan Foundation. “Vocational skills and educational attainment lead to healthier, higher standards of living and transfer beyond mining into other areas of the economy, while broader leadership abilities support resilience and self-governance that enable communities to thrive post-mining.”
A committee comprised of local community leaders representing diverse organizations as well as two Freeport-McMoRan representatives governs the Fund. The community leaders were selected by members of the Greenlee County Community Partnership Panel, a stakeholder engagement process established by Freeport-McMoRan in 2011 to foster open and ongoing dialogue with the community and allow the company and the community to work together to develop thoughtful solutions that address community needs. Soon after, Community Investment Funds were established to give community leaders the opportunity to direct funds from the Freeport-McMoRan Foundation to address local priority issues.
Since its establishment in 2011, the Greenlee CIF has invested $2.5 million. The funds have gone to programs and projects that help foster sustainability and reduce dependency on any single industry by supporting initiatives that benefit community priority areas identified by CPP members. Proposals include those in the priority areas of education, environment, community and economic development as well as health and wellness.
2019 grant recipients:
Greenlee County
Greenlee County Noxious Weeds Control Program – $26,000
This grant will be used to provide technical training and equipment to landowners in an effort to combat noxious weeds that decrease land value, forage and habitat for domestic and wild animals and negatively impact the watershed – ultimately addressing the economic and environmental hardship the weeds could create if not controlled.
Southeastern Arizona Community Unique Services (SEACUS)
Greenlee County Meals on Wheels – $23,000
Funding will increase the number of homebound seniors served by Meals on Wheels by 60 percent. In addition to providing a healthy meal, Meals on Wheels providers check on the safety of residents and provide social interaction, allowing them to remain in their home and community.
Town of Clifton Clifton Beautification Abatement Program – $115,000 Funding will accelerate the revitalization of underutilized properties and develop aging or blighted areas in the Town of Clifton. Focused growth and revitalization activities will stimulate new economic activity, enhance sales tax generation, and support healthy growth and employment opportunities.
Duncan High School (DHS) Welding Lab – TBD*
This investment will be used to update the Duncan High School welding lab so that students can develop their welding skills on modern and relevant equipment. Career and technical training in high school prepares students for the workforce. Those enrolled in the DHS welding program gain the skills needed to enter the GIFT Welding program offered through Eastern Arizona College.
*DHS and Freeport-McMoRan Morenci are collaborating to ensure all project infrastructure and safety considerations are met. The final investment amount will be determined once all relevant upgrades are identified.
