Alabama officials on Saturday announced plans at three sites in Walker and Cullman counties to enhance access to the Mulberry and Sipsey Forks of the Black Warrior River.
The projects are the result of $3 million the state received from a lawsuit settlement last year against Tyson Farms following an illegal wastewater discharge at the company’s facility in Hanceville that killed about 200,000 fish and damaged the river’s ecosystem.
Related: Tyson Farms to pay $3 million for spill that killed 200,000 fish in Mulberry Fork
Officials visited the three sites Saturday in making the announcements.
“I am excited to see what happens here and at the other sites to get people outdoors,” Chris Blankenship, the state’s Conservation and Natural Resources commission, said at the announcement at the Forks in the River near Sipsey. “I think that’s going to be key to grow our economy, to get workers here.
“More than anything, I just want to see some people fishing off that pier and enjoying themselves and see some kayaks and paddle boards coming down. I think that excites me to no end when I see that because it is great for the people, creates business and commerce and it gives our state leg up on some of some of the other communities.”
Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall brought the lawsuit against Tyson on behalf of the state.
“These community enhancement projects are the result of the dedicated teamwork of legal staff from the Attorney General’s Consumer Interest Division, and our partners at the Alabama Department of Conservation and the Alabama Department of Environmental Management,” Attorney General Steve Marshall said in a statement. “As I said we when announced this settlement last August, this is another example of a Consumer Protection case done well – the money is going exactly where it ought to go – not to the state coffers or outside counsel, but to the impacted areas. It is all the more rewarding to finally see these recreational access projects come to life to benefit the impacted communities.”
The projects announced Saturday:
- Forks in the River, near Sipsey: Expand parking area and construct a dock, pavilion and restroom facility.
- Town of Colony access: Construct a gravel road and parking area, which will give local residents direct access to the river for the first time.
- Garden City Park: Riverfront clean-up with new kayak launch area, add restroom facility and create hiking trail.
Officials said other projects are being planned that will be funded with settlement money but will be announced at a later day.
