The Alabama Legislature has approved the annexation of land near Gallion, at the intersection of U.S. Highways 80 and 69, into the city limits of Demopolis, clearing the way for commercial development that could include a gas station or truck stop.
House Bill 613, a local bill authorizing the cross-county annexation, passed the Senate 32-0 on April 2 and was delivered to Gov. Kay Ivey. The bill had previously passed the House 63-0 on March 19.
Because the property is located in Hale County while Demopolis lies in Marengo County, the annexation required legislative approval. The Demopolis City Council and the Hale County Commission worked with area landowners for months to develop the agreement, which was briefly withdrawn in early February before being revived later that month.
Under the agreement, sales tax revenue generated at the site will be distributed as follows:
- 4% to the state
- 3% to the Hale County Public School District
- 2% to the City of Demopolis
- 1% to the Hale County Commission
The site is strategically located along the route of the West Alabama Corridor, a major highway improvement project expected to make the intersection the only four-lane crossroads between Interstate 65 in Mobile and Interstate 59/20 in Tuscaloosa.
Demopolis Mayor Woody Collins said the city currently has no confirmed tenants for the site, despite social media speculation about a Buc-ee’s location. However, the Demopolis Water Works and Sewer Board is already extending a sewer line along Highway 80, increasing the site’s attractiveness for development.
Hale County Probate Judge David Parker noted that the West Alabama Corridor project is creating new economic opportunities for the region.
