Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall cut a ceremonial ribbon recently 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 a $3 million settlement with Tyson Farms in 2021.

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 occurred at the company’s facility in Hanceville in 2019.

Improvements at Garden City Park include the installation of a kayak launch, as well as installation of rocks and boulders to stabilize the riverbank. (Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources)

“The environmental and economic impact on Garden City because of the illegal wastewater discharge was immense,” Marshall said. “I am glad that we have been able to help the people of Garden City begin to heal from this manmade 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.”

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, Marshall 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 affected areas. Ed Poolos, deputy commissioner of the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, 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 the recent ribbon-cutting 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. Garlan 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.”

Poolos added, “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.”

Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall cuts the ceremonial ribbon on Wednesday, July 24, 2024, at the Garden City Fire Station. (Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources)