HB658 Alabama 2015 Session

Updated Feb 27, 2026

Notable

Summary

Primary Sponsor: Craig Ford
Independent
Session: Regular Session 2015
Title: Etowah Co., Mega Sports Complex Authority established
Summary: Creates the Etowah County Mega Sports Complex Authority to plan, finance, and operate a public mega sports complex in Etowah County using TVA in-lieu-of-taxes funding.
What This Bill Does
The bill creates the Etowah County Mega Sports Complex Authority and outlines who serves on it, including the legislative sponsor, local delegation members, the Chamber of Commerce Director, and three additional appointees, with the option to add more members. It requires the authority to evaluate the feasibility, components, location, cost, and funding for a mega sports complex and, after evaluation, to develop and manage the project. It grants the authority broad powers such as acquiring land, entering contracts, hiring staff, and accepting donations, and it specifies that TVA in-lieu-of-taxes payments retained by the county are redirected to the Authority for financing and operation of the complex; the act takes effect immediately after governor approval.

Who It Affects
Etowah County residents and taxpayers: TVA in-lieu-of-taxes payments that would have stayed with the county are redirected to the new Authority to finance and operate a mega sports complex.
City of Sardis and its residents: funds previously transferred to Sardis under state law will instead go to the Authority for the complex.
Etowah County Chamber of Commerce and local businesses: represented on the Authority and positioned to participate in planning, development, and potential economic activity related to the complex.
Property owners and developers in Etowah County: the Authority may acquire or lease land for the complex, affecting land use and property interests.

Key Provisions
Provision 1: Establishes the Etowah County Mega Sports Complex Authority, defines its membership (sponsor, local delegation reps, Chamber Director, three appointed by the Director) and allows addition of members by majority vote; assigns powers to develop and manage the complex (land acquisition/lease, contracts, staff, committees, donations).
Provision 2: Allocates all TVA in-lieu-of-taxes payments retained by the county to the Authority for financing and operating the mega sports complex, and states the act becomes effective immediately after governor's approval.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 24, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.
Subjects: Etowah County