In an effort to promote tourism in six Alabama counties, Gov. Robert Bentley announced a $49,995 grant to the University of Alabama Center of Economic Development.

The center will use the funding from the federal agency Appalachian Regional Commission to create a program to show off the natural, cultural, and historical assets in Hale, Pickens, Fayette, Lamar, Bibb, and Tuscaloosa counties.

“With so much to see and so many stories to learn, travelers must experience west Alabama to get a full picture of Alabama’s history and people,” Gov. Bentley said. “This grant is the latest example of how we’re working to support and increase tourism throughout our state. Tourism helps support jobs and local economies while also sharing the natural and cultural assets of Alabama with more people.”

Some of the sites to be highlighted are the Alabama Birding Trail, the Cahaba River and Cahaba Lily Festival, Moundville Archaeological Park, the site of the war camp for German prisoners during World War II, and the Paul W. Bryant Museum.

The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs will administer the grant from the Appalachian Regional Commission for the tourism promotion in West Alabama. ARC was created in 1965 by Congress as a supplemental grant program to raise the standard of living, improve the quality of life and promote economic development in parts of the 13 Appalachian mountain states. 37 counties in Alabama are part of the Appalachian Regional Commission.

Follow Adam on Twitter @AdamYHN