Piedmont, AL – The Piedmont Historical Society has been awarded a $5,000 Thriving Communities Grant from Norfolk Southern to support the construction of new ADA-compliant public restroom facilities.
According to Norfolk Southern, the funding will help improve accessibility for visitors attending community events and tourism activities in Piedmont. The restroom project is intended to better serve residents and guests while supporting the continued use of local historical and community spaces.
The grant was awarded through Norfolk Southern’s Thriving Communities Grant Program, which supports projects focused on sustainability, workforce development, housing stability, community well-being, and community resilience. Funding for individual projects typically ranges from $1,000 to $50,000.
Since launching its Community Impact Grant Programs in 2023, Norfolk Southern has provided more than $17 million in funding to organizations across its 22-state rail network. In 2025 alone, the company awarded $6.1 million to more than 400 organizations in 219 communities.
Norfolk Southern reports that organizations located in Calhoun County have received a total of $118,500 through its Thriving Communities and Safety First grant programs since 2023.
The company’s Safety First Grant Program provides funding to first responders and organizations focused on public safety, emergency preparedness, disaster response, and safety education. Awards through that program generally range from $1,000 to $15,000.
In 2025, the Piedmont Historical Society and the Calhoun County Sheriff’s Reserve Association were among the local organizations receiving grant funding through Norfolk Southern’s programs.
Norfolk Southern is currently accepting applications for its Community Impact Grant Programs through Aug. 3, 2026.
