Lower Cahaba Heritage and Outdoor Recreation (Bibb County)

The focus of this project has been to develop a plan of action for the enhancement of tourism opportunities within Bibb County, Alabama.  The project is on-going, however the result will be to build a consolidated effort to utilize and promote the tourism resources afforded by the County.  The project brings together the natural resources in four counties: Hale, Bibb, Perry, and Dallas.  The Cahaba River, the Cahaba National Wildlife Refuge and the Talladega National Forest Oakmulgee District are three of the major features of the project and are a prominent asset which will assist in organizing the local organizations and resources and link these to complimentary natural resources in the surrounding counties.

Signage in Centreville, Alabama highlighting the natural and recreational opportunities.

In addition, an overview of the existing forest product sector will be reviewed to determine possible opportunities for existing industry as well as investment potential in industries relating to the abundant forests in the area.  Bibb County has a small industrial base due to the fact that a major portion of the land area is part of the Talladega National Forest, which is under control of the Federal government, therefore the amount of lumber that is available locally for commercial use is limited.  The project will focus on other available assets that can provide a sustainable economic basis for economic development for the County.  The overall plan is to develop a strategic plan for tourism and recreation for Bibb County.