ALABAMA – Located one block west of downtown Anniston, the 22-acre Chalkline, Inc. mill began operation as the Anniston Manufacturing Company in 1888 and closed in 1994. After the facility closed, the property was sold and the buildings were deconstructed, creating a significant scar of debris and rubble on the landscape. The city bought the property and the Alabama Department of Environmental Management (ADEM) used Section 128(a) Response Program funds to conduct assessment activities at the property. The city was then awarded an EPA Brownfields Cleanup grant and an Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) grant. With remedial activities slated to be complete in September 2010, construction is planned for a new Department of Human Resources building. In addition, a section of Snow Creek near the south end of property that has been channeled for over 100 years will be restored to a free flowing stream. The 33-mile Chief Ladiga Trail, built on abandoned railway rights-of-way, will be extended six miles from the Town of Weaver to the former mill property. And, a new federal courthouse is slated for construction at the former auto parts repair property adjacent to the Chalkline property. Local officials believe that these brownfields projects will spur other public and private revitalization efforts in the downtown Anniston area.
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