By Gary Lloyd
Trussville Mayor Gene Melton said Tuesday that an archaeological excavation of the site for the future Hewitt-Trussville football stadium could be completed by the end of May or mid-June.
Melton said the Army Corps of Engineers is “very close” to reaching an agreement with Native American tribes that would allow the city of Trussville to proceed with Phase III of an archaeological study.
“Basically, the tribes have signed off,” Melton said, noting the tribes did have some corrections they wanted made as part of the agreement.
Melton said the Army Corps of Engineers is moving as fast as it can.
“They’re getting very close to that,” Melton said. “We’re already making preparations for the excavation of that site for Phase III.”
The area where the new stadium will be located
file photo
The Trussville City Council in November approved Phase III of the archaeological study being conducted by the University of Alabama for $142,577. That cost did not include the cost of the excavation, which city officials in November did not know.
After the excavation is complete, the city can seek bids for the construction of the new stadium, an extension of Husky Parkway and a bridge over the Cahaba River that will reach the stadium, Melton said. Melton said the city is also considering an extension of the Trussville Public Library as part of the project. He said the city is trying to “thrust all of its efforts” to these projects.
Melton said once Phase III is completed and the Army Corps of Engineers turns the city loose to begin its projects, the city can move at a “quicker mode.”
“We’re working on that diligently,” he said.
The archaeological study began after researchers found evidence of a prehistoric settlement at the stadium site, finding things such as stone-made tools and man-made pottery. Hewitt-Trussville High School students will be able to participate in the archaeological dig to learn about Native American history, a learning experience coordinated through science teacher David Dobbs
.
The new stadium will be located behind the Trussville Civic Center on Trussville-Clay Road.
Contact Gary Lloyd at news@trussvilletribune.com and follow him on Twitter @GaryALloyd.
