Nov 16, 2016 2 min read

The Greater Brownsville Area Chamber of Commerce is joining the Brownsville chapter of the Izaak Walton League of America in an attempt to help the struggling organization survive.

The nine-member IWLA chapter meets every other month. The chamber has agreed to select different members to attend meetings to assist the IWLA chapter, which has made significant contributions to the community.

The chapter’s projects include a $60,000 cleanup of Dunlap Creek, which was its first undertaking several years ago; the $15,000 renovation of a meeting room in the Commissioners’ Building at Patsy Hillman Park; a $4,000 aerator for Patsy Hillman Lake, which was needed to maintain the fish stock; and the annual Fishing Rodeo, a free competition with prizes and lunch for Brownsville area youth.

“This group has put a lot of money into the community for the little amount of help they have,” said Jack Lawver, chamber vice president and a councilman.

By paying the $62 annual dues for an IWLA membership, the chamber is hoping other local organizations will follow suit to protect Izaak Walton League.

The IWLA chapter will meet at 10 a.m. Saturday in the Brownsville Sons & Daughters of Italy, Frank Ricco Lodge 731, 16 Race St., and is open to individuals and organizations interested in joining the chapter or assisting IWLA in its projects