By Sherri Blevins
The Bridgeport City Council met on Monday, April 12, 2021. John Kvach, Executive Director of the Singing River Trail, presented a program to boost Bridgeport’s industry by connecting eight counties through walking and biking trails on one of Alabama’s longest greenway/trails. He explained how the 150 miles of connectivity could impact the City spurring new businesses to open downtown and by drawing many outdoor history buffs to explore all Bridgeport offers as a historical town located by the river, beautiful scenery, and the possibility of several outdoor activities. Mayor Hughes and the Council agreed to discuss joining the program and decide how much of a monetary investment they would like to make and report back to the representative.
The Council agreed to select Bridgeport scholarship recipients for North Jackson High School.
City Clerk Teresa Walker updated the Council on the Tennessee RiverLine and Thrive Projects. Waker reported that the Tennessee RiverLine would present kayaks to City representatives on May 21 during a special ceremony in Knoxville, Tennessee. The boats will be brought back to Bridgeport on May 22. The first RiverLine Project event will be a RiverLIne Clean-up Day sponsored by Bridgeport on May 29, 2021, beginning at 8:00 am. Lunch will be provided for those participating, and TVA will donate supplies for the event. On July 3, Bridgeport will celebrate the Fourth of July with another RiverLine Project, offering residents the opportunity to kayak in the morning and enjoy music in the afternoon at the amphitheater. The party will end with a fireworks celebration.
Walker explained the status of the Thrive Program. She said she had received a call from a Thrive representative who was worried the City was no longer excited about the program. She added that the program that began in 2019 had fallen behind because of the COVID-19 pandemic and several other reasons. The goal of the program is to build on community, cultural assets, and awareness. The Lynn Hurst Foundation has agreed to donate $20,000.00 to purchase five sculptures for display along the walk from the Depot to the walking bridge through the Thrive Partnership. Each sculpture will have a historical connection to Bridgeport. Walker assured the representative that the City was thrilled to be a part of the program and appreciated the gift. Committee members will meet with the group that selects the artists, and they will play a part in approving the final sculptures.
Councilmember Barry Hughes expressed his gratitude to all the first responders who recently treated his brother-in-law during a medical emergency. His relative had to be airlifted to a hospital for treatment, and Hughes said they did an excellent job taking care of him.
Councilmember Hughes also reported that several citizens had approached him to form a group to plan activities for the City park and the town. Councilmember Michelle Willis agreed to lead the group. They plan to report back to the Council when they had the group in place.
Finally, the Council agreed to purchase tile and replace a culvert on 6th Street.
The next meeting will be on April 26, 2021, at 5:30 pm.
