SHELBY COUNTY, Ala. – On Monday night, the Shelby County Commission unanimously voted to deny a license to Tim James Inc. (TJI) for for the purpose of construction and operation of a toll bridge across the Coosa River.
The Coosa River Express would have once again connected Talladega and Shelby Counties where a ferry once did.
Watch the vote below at 09:15.
The Talladega County Commission voted unanimously to grant a license to TJI in January. Greg Atkinson, commissioner for District 5 which includes Sylacauga and Fayetteville, said he is disappointed by Shelby County’s vote.
“We missed a great opportunity for everybody,” Atkinson said. “It was a mixed blessing for some, but I think you would have seen more opportunity, more businesses, and more jobs which would have been good for the county.”
Atkinson mentioned concerns about possible noise and traffic in small Shelby County towns as their concerns. “I think Tim [James] had a good plan, and I’m surprised it was not passed,” he added.
