The West Alabama Regional Commission was recently awarded $150,000 to update antiquated data systems to state of the art Geographic Information System mapping in Hale, Pickens and Bibb counties.

“Until now, rural water providers in these three counties did not have access to the same tools that are being utilized by other providers throughout the state,” said US Representative Artur Davis, “With the update to electronic GIS mapping, these rural areas will have an enhanced ability to strategically plan commercial and residential development.”

The award funds, which were made available through the Appalachian Regional Commission, will be used to purchase five GPS units, said Jeremy Sherer, Davis’ special projects coordinator.

The updating project will affect more than 23,000 customers in Hale, Pickens and Bibb counties. Sherer said the project will be a long one. “They’ll have to revamp every single position,” he said.