Alexander County Emergency Management has purchased a new utility terrain vehicle with a $50,000 grant that was provided by the Catawba Valley Community Foundation, a North Carolina Community Foundation affiliate.
The UTV, also known as a side-by-side, is equipped with specialized accessories to enhance emergency response and community support.
During Hurricane Helene, many Alexander County residents were left isolated due to washed-out roads, bridges, and culverts. First responders and community members relied heavily on UTVs to reach those in need. Recognizing this critical need, Emergency Management received grant funding to purchase its own side-by-side, which will serve multiple roles in both disaster response and public service.
The new UTV is equipped with a Medlite Transport Unit and stretcher to allow for medical evacuations in remote or inaccessible areas. The modular design provides significant versatility:
The stretcher and Medlite system can be swapped for a utility basket to haul equipment and supplies.
The rear space can be converted to a back seat, creating seating for up to six passengers, which is ideal for transporting people with mobility challenges at community events or deploying staff to hard-to-reach areas.
“Thanks to this grant from the Catawba Valley Community Foundation, our team is better equipped to serve our residents, particularly during disasters,” said Daniel Fox, Alexander County Emergency Management Coordinator.
The North Carolina Community Foundation, in conjunction with the Catawba Valley Community Foundation, earlier this year awarded $540,000 in grants from its Disaster Relief Fund to 13 organizations in Alexander, Caldwell, and Catawba counties to support long-term recovery, resiliency, and unmet needs related to Helene.
“Hurricane Helene reminded us how quickly communities can be cut off from vital services,” said Gary Herman, president of Catawba Valley Community Foundation advisory board. “This grant ensures Alexander County is better prepared to respond swiftly in emergencies, while also providing a resource that benefits the community year-round.”
For more information about Alexander County Emergency Management, visit alexandercountync.gov.
About the Catawba Valley Community Foundation
Advisory board members are volunteers who live and work in Alexander, Caldwell, and Catawba counties, positioning them to strategically leverage resources, meet local needs, and access opportunities. In addition to Herman, board members include Kim Holden (vice president), Linda Chambers (secretary), Suzan Anderson, Chris Brauns, Cindy Covington, Jordan Faulkner, Amanda Freeland, Dr. Dianne Little, Michael McNally, John Teeter, and Jamie Treadaway.
About the North Carolina Community Foundation
The North Carolina Community Foundation brings together generous people and connects them to causes and organizations they care about, with a focus on inspiring lasting and meaningful philanthropy in the state’s rural communities. With $460 million in assets, NCCF sustains over 1,300 endowments and partners with donors and a network of affiliates in 60 counties to strengthen our state. By stewarding and growing donors’ gifts, NCCF makes a powerful impact through a robust grants and scholarships program, awarding over $300 million since 1988.
For more information, visit nccommunityfoundation.org.