The McClellan Development Authority (MDA) Oversight Committee voted on Tuesday to request the board of directors dissolve the MDA and transfer responsibility for the redevelopment of the former base to the City of Anniston.
The Clinton administration closed Fort McClellan and transferred its operations to other bases in 1999. Multiple media outlets reported recently that Katt Williams, a comedian and actor, had purchased part of the Fort McClellan property recently with plans to turn it into a movie studio.
State Sen. Keith Kelley (R-Anniston), Anniston Mayor Jack Draper and Calhoun County Commission chairwoman Carolyn Henderson said in a statement on Tuesday, “While the MDA Board of Directors has the responsibility of taking the next steps towards dissolution, action of the Oversight Committee in requesting this change with a unified voice demonstrates the strong commitment of Calhoun County’s elected leaders to achieving growth and economic development in a cooperative way.”
"This move demonstrates the commitment of Calhoun County’s local and state officials to collaborating and finding new possibilities for the area. Simplifying and streamlining redevelopment at McClellan by eliminating the MDA and giving the City of Anniston direct responsibility for the former base will benefit the entire community and make it easier to bring new business and jobs into the area. Since the McClellan property is within the city limits of Anniston, the City of Anniston will receive the responsibility for the upkeep of its properties and operations,” Kelley, Draper and Henderson added in the statement.
“The City of Anniston is equipped with the resources and knowledge to lead the redevelopment of McClellan and ensure the best future for the community. The City of Anniston has a comprehensive plan in place that includes a strong vision for the future of McClellan. Enabling the City to take over management of the former base will make collaboration easier among the City, the County, and the other municipalities in the area, and it will aid in adopting a more unified and regional approach which is essential to capitalize on opportunities for recruitment and development of industry and business in Anniston and Calhoun County.”
They continued, “Dissolving the MDA as it exists today will make things simpler and easier for economic developers and investors, and this change is intended to take politics out of the process of redeveloping the former fort and remove a layer of bureaucracy that is no longer relevant or necessary. By taking these steps, Anniston and Calhoun County can make the most of the economic incentives recently enacted by the Alabama Legislature and ensure the future growth of this region of the state for a productive future.”
MDA Oversight Committee Joint Press Release 11-26-2024 by Caleb Taylor on Scribd
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