Robert Rainey, Emily DeRoberts and Alan Stuart
Alan Stuart, Senior Project Manager with Duke Energy Carolinas was on hand at Foothills Community Foundation on December 16th to present $762,000 to the Foundation’s Keowee Toxaway Habitat Enhancement Fund. Stuart was accompanied at the presentation by Emily DeRoberts, Business Relations Manager with Duke Energy. Foundation President Robert Rainey explained that a partnership between Foothills Community Foundation and Duke Energy provides resources for meaningful habitat creation, protection and enhancement of aquatic and terrestrial species at Lake Keowee and Lake Jocassee, as well as within any part of their watershed.
Stuart pointed out that funding for the Habitat Enhancement Fund is supported through fees paid by property owners and developers applying for lake use permits around the two lakes. Grants are awarded to successful applicants through an application process. Government agencies, tax-exempt organizations or individuals working through a tax exempt organization may apply for funding that meets the objectives of the fund. Since 2015, approximately $150,000 has been provided to fund various projects including protection of a great blue heron rookery and placement of artificial fish habitat structures in Lake Keowee. Details are available at: https://www.duke-energy.com/community/lakes/services/kthep