Etowah sports complex authority resolution hits snag

Sen. Phil Williams

Rep. Craig Ford

A resolution introduced by Rep. Craig Ford, D- Gadsden, which would establish an authority to study and make recommendations concerning a “mega sports” complex in Etowah County faces an uncertain future with Sen. Phil Williams, R-Rainbow City, questioning why an authority is needed.  Ford said the resolution as passed the House with the support of the other local House members.  The resolution calls for the 13-person authority  to study and report on the issue of developing a mega sports complex for Etowah County. The resolution said the study would include the feasibility, what should be included, the location, cost of acquiring and maintaining a complex and possible funding sources.  According to the resolution, the authority is to present the report to the legislative delegation no later than 60 days prior to the beginning of the 2015 regular session.  Ford said it would be a “multi sports complex” and the authority would decide what sports to be included to make it feasible. He said it didn’t need to compete with nearby complexes.