Anniston, AL – The McClellan Development Authority (MDA) convened on March 5, 2025, to discuss critical issues regarding asset transfer, environmental cleanup initiatives, and board appointments. Prior to this meeting, an emergency meeting of the Calhoun County Commissioners was held earlier that day, during which the board unanimously voted to reappoint JD Hess to the MDA Board, with Commissioner Lee Patterson absent from the proceedings.
The board unanimously approved the minutes from the January 29th meeting, following a motion and second by members present.
A significant topic of discussion was the proposed transfer of real and personal property assets of the MDA to the City of Anniston. The board explored options to ensure the MDA continues to exist as the local reuse authority and cleanup authority.
Mr. Downey, the Anniston city attorney, communicated the city’s willingness to explore the proposal, which aims to facilitate the ongoing environmental cleanup efforts without introducing a new authority.
Positive feedback from the Army was shared, indicating their support for maintaining the current cleanup operations under the MDA.
A draft resolution was presented, detailing the necessity for the MDA to exist in its current form to manage environmental restoration and remediation efforts effectively. The resolution outlines the plan to transfer assets, debts, and obligations to the City of Anniston while retaining responsibilities necessary for continued cleanup.
The board voted unanimously in favor of the resolution, which mandates the preparation of documentation for the asset transfer effective March 17, 2025.
Stakeholders expressed gratitude for the board’s actions and emphasized the importance of the resolution for the community’s well-being. Specific acknowledgment was given to members who contributed significantly to the resolution’s development.
The board was commended for their dedication and collaborative efforts in addressing pressing community needs.
The next meeting of the PMT Committee and the MDA Board is scheduled for April 23, 2025, where new board members will be introduced. The meeting will consolidate previous committee activities into one session to streamline operations moving forward.
The board plans to review the ongoing cleanup projects and discuss further developments in the upcoming session.
The meeting concluded with expressions of appreciation for the collective efforts of the board members and stakeholders. The MDA remains committed to fostering a collaborative environment that prioritizes community development and environmental sustainability.
