SELMA — GIS mapping will have a large impact on the Black Belt, said Doni Ingram, state director of Economic and Community Affiars

“Two years ago, we started water mapping in three counties as a pilot project,” Ingram said. “We have 67 counties that have GIS water mapping, which is a really, really big plus. Now after someone comes in and says their well has run dry, we can find the nearest connect.”

Ingram said all grants and law enforcement will be mapped. She said guided or coordinated walking trips could bring and economic boost to the region.

Ingram spoke at the 39th annual Alabama Tombigbee Regional Commission Wednesday.