Ivey Signs Smith Lake Property Annexation Bill
SB322 creates a development district with a one-year time limit
Alabama Governor Kay Ivey signed SB322 into law last Wednesday, May 7, allowing a noncontiguous portion of dry Cullman County to be annexed into the wet City of Cullman. SB322 also creates a Community Development District (CDD) to facilitate the development of a resort fronting Smith Lake in the Cold Springs area.
Senate President Pro Tem Garlan Gudger (R-Cullman), who represents that area of the State, praised SB322:
“Passage of Senate Bill 322 will bring more jobs, opportunities, investments, and recreation to our community while ensuring that Cullman and surrounding areas remain a special place to live, work, worship, and raise families,” Gudger said.
Supporters of SB322 claim that the development will involve an investment of $250 million in capital outlines, generate 300 jobs, and generate an estimated $1.2 million per year in revenue for the county schools as well as 3.2 million in revenue for the Cullman county commission.
SB322 had generated significant opposition, but this was largely resolved with several amendments to the bill. One point of contention was that the Poarch Band of Creek Indians are involved with the project, and there were fears that a casino was part of the developmental plan. Both Senator Gudger and the Poarch Creek have categorically denied this.
SB322 contains a sunset provision of June 1, 2026 if the resort project has not begun active development by that time.
