MONTGOMERY — Legislation to allow annexation of a section of Cullman County by Smith Lake to establish a framework to attract a resort to the area passed the Senate on Tuesday.
Senate Bill 322 by State Sen. Jabo Waggoner (R-Vestavia Hills) and State Sen. Pro-Tem Garlan Gudger (R-Cullman) describes a possible resort project including golf, restaurants, and other outdoor activities.
Gudger told reporters on Tuesday he was "very happy" the bill passed.
"It's one of the largest economic development projects number one that's ever happened in Cullman County but then number two for North Alabama. By having a chance of us not passing that bill, we have a chance of losing it, and I don't want to see that happen. I want the 300 jobs it's going to produce. I want the $1.2 million for the county schools. I want the $3.2 million that goes to the county commission. I think that's important. Hopefully, everyone sees that by the way that we worked with our local county commission and our city council and our developer so we can bring all of those people together to make the best bill possible," Gudger said.
A critic of the legislation, Cullman County Commissioner Corey Freeman said on Facebook on Tuesday before the Senate voted, "While most people to include the County Commission and even many Cullman City citizens have reached out to me and others expressing their opposition for a municipal annexation to take place, this SB322 appears that it is going to pass and become law. While this doesn't necessarily mean that the City is definitely going to annex this property, it certainly gives them the right to do so. With that being said, Senator Gudger has heard your concerns and opposition on this matter. I have been down in Montgomery and back and forth on phone conversations with Senator Gudger and his staff."
"We have corresponded with City officials and discussed options for this bill. I want to share that while this bill is still not favorable in many eyes, Senator Gudger has agreed and took the steps to ensure that this community has protections in place and he has made amendments to the bill. Amendments are as follows: 1) The County will be providing all sanitation services for the development, so funding to the county is not lost, which is the best business decision for both entities. 2) The project will also have a sunset date of June 1, 2026, meaning that if the developer has not made ground to show project development, this development will become void. 3) I have worked together along with the other Commissioners for a memorandum of understanding with the developer that they will improve local roads to ensure our citizens have a safe and good access to their homes. 4) Also, in a memorandum of understanding, we are securing dedicated funding for the County Schools from the tax share from the development. I ask everyone to continue to work together to make this situation the best it can be. Without your voice, I would not have been able to work with Senator Gudger to implement these amendments. As your commissioner of Dist. 4, I will continue to work and be involved with this project, and anytime we can work together and find a way to make this even better for you all, I will do just that. I appreciate Senator Gudger for working with me and making sure that this is done because without his support, this would not be possible," Freeman said.
One amendment to the bill stated that the property can't be used to build a casino due to local concerns about the Poarch Creek Indians investing in the project. According to Hanceville Today, the project is also backed by Troon Golf, EDSA Design Group, Nicklaus Design, Rick Smith, Greg Norman Golf, and the Erin Kreuger Team. The resort will also include hotel and entertainment spaces, glamping areas, chapel sites, two golf courses, and shooting ranges.
After the Senate voted on Tuesday, Gudger said on Facebook, "I keep hearing about the Poarch Creek Indians and that they're not just investors."
"I did call the Poarch Creek Indians' CFO and said, 'How many properties do you have that do not have gambling, any activity or a casino?' He said, 'Honestly, two-thirds of our properties do not have any type of casinos connected to them because they're just investors in hotels and conference centers.' So I placed in line item 393 to 395, 'The property cannot be used as a site for a casino, nor may any other commercial or charitable gambling activities be conducted on the property.' That way, that should put a nail in the coffin there that there aren't going to be casinos, and hopefully everyone believes me on that," Gudger said.
The bill passed the Senate on Tuesday by a 27-1 margin, with State Sen. Arthur Orr (R-Decatur) casting the only "no" vote. It now heads to the House for their consideration.
To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email [email protected].
Don't miss out! Subscribe to our newsletter and get our top stories every weekday morning.
