State Senator Arthur Orr, center, who along with State Senator Garlan Gudger and State Representative Tim Wadsworth helped to secure $850,000 for Looney’s Amphitheater and Cultural Center, visited recently to tour the complex. Pictured above with Orr are Looney’s Project Manager David Jacobs, left, and J.D. Snoddy, president of the Winston County Arts Council.
LAKESHORE - The mission of getting state funds into rural Alabama is literally paying off a big way, with state legislators going to bat for Winston County, securing nearly $2 million from the Education Trust Fund for two major projects related to education and tourism.
The legislative team of State Senators Arthur Orr and Garlan Gudger and State Representatives Tracy Estes and Tim Wadsworth has helped secure $1 million for Winston County Schools, along with a separate allotment of $850,000 for the Looney’s Amphitheater and Cultural Complex, which is undergoing major renovations off Highway 278 near Double Springs. A story about the $1 million awarded to Winston County Schools appeared in the November 29, edition of the Alabamian.
The $850,000 for Looney’s will be used to pay in full any indebtedness related to the project, as well as help begin restoration of the amphitheater and buildings, including the concession area, ticket center and the former Sister Sara’s Restaurant. These structures had been left vacant for over 20 years until the Winston County Arts Council purchased the complex in October, 2022, with the idea of promoting tourism and the arts throughout the county and area.
Gudger noted the large funding allotment for Looney’s was a group effort.
“I am thankful for J.D. Snoddy, his wife and all of the people in the arts council pushing and helping state legislators, especially budget chair Arthur Orr, understand how vitally important it is to tourism in Winston County,” Gudger pointed out.
See complete story in the Northwest Alabamian.
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