The Catawba College Center for the Environment recently received an award for its contribution and dedication to improve the state’s air quality during the 2004 ozone season.
The North Carolina Air Awareness Program in Charlotte and Mecklenburg County presented the award on Oct. 22, citing the importance of the Center’s Clean Air Lecture Series, which brings authorities to the Center to speak to the community on air pollution, its effects and ways to combat it. The Center is spearheading the Clean Air Initiative for Rowan and the Central Piedmont in response to Rowan’s poor air quality. The American Lung Association listed the Charlotte-Gastonia-Salisbury metropolitan area 14th in the nation for the worst air quality.
"We are very pleased that others in the region recognize the work the Center is doing to educate the public about air pollution and to promote ways to clean up our air," said John Wear Jr., director of the Center for the Environment. "We have been gratified by the many supporters who understand the importance of our work and are working with us to address this critical problem."
The Clean Air Initiative is funded by these individuals, institutions and foundations: F&M Bank, Central Carolina Bank, Wachovia Bank, Rowan Bank, Bank of North Carolina, Power Curbers Inc., Fred and Alice Stanback, County of Rowan, City of Salisbury, Z. Smith Reynolds Foundation, Blanche & Julian Robertson Foundation and Catawba College.
