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Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall cut a ceremonial ribbon on Wednesday, as attendees celebrated both the park enhancements at Garden City River Park and the new Garden City Fire Station, the first major projects completed with funds from the Tyson Settlement.
The park improvements include a new kayak launch, restroom facility and trails, as well as expanded parking and better public water access. These were funded through the court settlement reached by the state and Tyson Farms after an illegal wastewater discharge at the company’s facility in Hanceville in 2019.
“The environmental and economic impact on Garden City because of the illegal wastewater discharge was immense. I am glad that we have been able to help the people of Garden City begin to heal from this man-made disaster, and hope that this park will be a benefit to the community and allow others to come to this part of the state and witness for themselves how beautiful it is,” Attorney General Steve Marshall said.
After the 2019 spill, Marshall sued Tyson Farms on behalf of the State of Alabama for violating the Alabama Water Pollution Control Act and the Environmental Management Act. The spill killed an estimated 175,000 fish.
As part of the settlement of the lawsuit, the Attorney General created a Restitution Fund Oversight Committee to oversee projects designed to increase recreational opportunities, enhance the state’s natural resources, benefit the environment and improve public health in the impacted areas. Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Deputy Commissioner Ed Poolos serves as chairman of the committee, which selects and manages projects funded by the settlement.
In June 2022, officials announced that four projects, including the two in Garden City, would be funded by the settlement. The other two are in the Cullman County community of Colony and in Sipsey near the confluence of the Sipsey and Mulberry forks of the Black Warrior River.
“We’re extremely thankful to the Attorney General, the Restitution Fund Oversight Committee and everyone involved in these projects,” Garden City Mayor Tim Eskew said. “We are certainly appreciative for all of the improvements at the park and for the new fire station.”
The Garden City River Park Project is the first one to be completed, and officials at Wednesday’s ribbon-cutting ceremony also highlighted construction of a new fire station in Garden City, partially funded with restitution funds.
“I understand the impact the wastewater spill had on the river and the people of Garden City and all of Cullman County,” said state Sen. Garlen Gudger. “But as I see the new amenities at the park and know the new fire station is operational, I am so encouraged by the good that has come in this situation. I thank the Attorney General and everyone on the committee for working to make these improvements here in Garden City a reality.”
Added Poolos, “One of the committee’s goals is to fund projects that provide long-lasting benefits for the people and communities directly impacted by the wastewater spill. It’s rewarding to know these projects will provide greater outdoor recreational opportunities and fire protection for the people here in Garden City and the surrounding area.”
