Coosa Landing Initiates: Boaters in Gadsden are in for a convenient change as the City Council recently greenlit a $329,000 contract with Oil Equipment Co. for the construction of a fueling station at Coosa Landing, the city’s primary boat launch.
This marks the initial phase of a two-step plan to address fueling needs at the site. The second phase involves a fueling station on the dock, contingent on obtaining a Federal Energy Regulatory Commission permit through Alabama Power.
Director of Engineering Heath Williamson indicated that the city is actively pursuing this permit and hopes for a swift approval. If successful, there’s potential to integrate both phases into the project “if the numbers are right.”
The Coosa Riverfront Fueling Facility has been a capital project in the Fiscal Year 2024 budget and has been in development for over a year.
Mayor Craig Ford highlighted the current scarcity of fueling options on the Coosa River, limited to Little Bridge Marina in Southside and Greensport in St. Clair County. The new fueling station in Gadsden aims to fill this gap and promote the expansion of river activities.
Mayor Ford anticipates that the dock station, allowing boaters to fuel up from the water, will offer 24/7 accessibility through credit card transactions.
This move is not just a convenience for boaters but is also projected to generate revenue for the city. Mayor Ford teased additional announcements concerning the riverfront, including updates on the city’s bait shack. Exciting times ahead for Gadsden’s river enthusiasts!
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