Local News
County gets ATV grant
The Cullman County Commission has been awarded a second grant to help build an off-road vehicle park in west Cullman County.
According to a press release from Gov. Bob Riley’s office, the county will receive $449,976 to help purchase land for the park.
Over a five-year period, the county could be granted as much as $2.5 million for the park, according to Director of Cullman County Economic Development Sammie Danford.
By the time it is completed, the park is expected to encompass nearly 1,500 acres of trails for four-wheelers, bikes and off-road trucks.
It is also possible the park will include trails for mountain biking, walking and horse-back riding.
“I think this thing is awesome,” Danford said. “This park will be such an asset to Cullman County.”
Earlier this year, the county received its first grant for the project. It came in the amount of $469,000. Both grants are being administered by the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs.
Together, the two grants require the county to pledge $229,744 of its own money for the project.
Much has changed since the county first laid down plans for the park earlier this year, including its location.
Still to be located on Alabama Highway 69, the intended location has reportedly been moved further west, but planners are still negotiating for the purchase of the land.
According to Associate Commissioner Doug Williams, there is an alternate location if those plans fall through.
Danford said any location must be approved by various state and federal environmental and engineering agencies before ground breaking can take place.
Definite dates for purchasing land and ground breaking are still not available.
According to Williams, once completed, the new ORV park will provide the county with additional sources of revenue. It will also attract more people to the area, increasing commerce.
“I’m very excited about this project,” Williams said. “Not only will give people a place to ride, but it will bring much needed revenue to our county.”
- Local News
-
-
Baileyton receives grant for electrical problems at park
The town of Baileyton has received the Land and Water Conservation Grant from the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs (ADECA).
-
Smith Lake residents split on water plans
Residents on Smith Lake seem to be spilt which secondary water source would be best for Cullman County.
-
Signing on
Four local water authority representatives signed contracts Tuesday to join with the city of Cullman’s Duck River dam reservoir project.
-
Couple arrested for chemical endangerment of children
Cullman County Sheriff’s deputies arrested two Berlin residents Saturday for allegedly keeping meth and syringes near two children.
-
Accreditation answer coming by early 2010
The Cullman County Board of Education took a step closer to district accreditation this week, though it will be next year until they know if their request is approved.
-
Robots fight to win
Holly Pond High School freshman Jordan Dover was excited when she had the opportunity to get involved with the Boosting Engineering, Science and Technology (BEST) robotics competition.
-
ServSafe Program becomes mandatory Jan. 1, 2010
The Cullman County Health Department is sponsoring a ServSafe food safety class Nov. 17-20 from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Grumpy’s Pizza.
-
Holly Pond trying to save students from addiction
If Karen Rowell can reach just one student, she will be satisfied.
-
Water on the brain
The City of Cullman and the Cullman County Commission have their own proposals for a second water source for the area, and neither group has shown signs of relenting to the other’s plan.
But after Monday, that could change. -
City OKs junk rules
Cullman residents with very high grass and “junked up” property could soon be fined, as the city council has now adopted a revamped nuisance ordinance.
- More Local News Headlines
-
Baileyton receives grant for electrical problems at park
