Town of Hodges looking at big project

By Staff
Jonathan Willis
When Ed Crouch became the mayor of Hodges 21 years ago, there were a few things he wanted to accomplish.
One of his first goals was to establish a park for the community's residents.
"We didn't have a park for our children to go to and play," Crouch said.
In 1992, the town opened a beautiful recreation area on the site of the community's old school grounds.
"That's one of the things that I am most proud of," Crouch said.
The town also opened a new town hall in 2000, replacing the former building that had been used since the 1950s.
"That was badly needed."
The town has now shifted its sights on the future.
Crouch said the town has chosen to take a different approach than others while looking to grow. Other towns throughout the area are looking into attracting industries by building industrial parks and spec buildings.
Hodges is currently seeking federal funding that they would use to develop a tourist attraction.
Crouch said the town is looking into developing a $370,000 equestrian trail.
"We are going to Washington on March 3 to meet with our Congressional delegation," Crouch said.
The town has the right-of-way along the old railroad leading from Hodges to Red Bay, as well as land owned by the Bear Creek Development Authority, that would comprise a 42-mile long trail.
"If everything goes accordingly, we could have the longest trail in the state of Alabama," Crouch said.
"It's something that could bring jobs to Franklin County without any negative impact at all. Tourism dollars really clean up a local economy."
Crouch said the trail, if built, would allow the town to attract people from all over the nation.
"It would give Hodges a steady source of income and would be a shot in the arm for Franklin County," he said.