Civil Municipal - June 2024

Mayor Sarah Hill enthusiastically highlights the city’s unique historical trajectory. “The city of Tallassee was originally a Native American locality,” she says. Its location along the Tallapoosa River ensured the city played a significant role during the Civil War, including its carbine armory and later as a bustling mill town. The industrial heart of Tallassee beats strong, as Mayor Hill emphasizes. “We have many industries. We’re the industrial seat of Elmore County.” This industrial identity has been pivotal in shaping the city’s economic landscape. Despite the closure of the cotton mill plant in 1988, which marked the end of an era, Tallassee has continued to thrive and adapt. Tallassee’s geographical location adds to its uniqueness.“We have Tallapoosa County on our east side and Elmore County on our west side, separated by the Tallapoosa River,” Mayor Hill explains. This dual-county existence highlights the city’s expansive reach and its strategic significance in the region. Tallassee’s compact size belies its vast potential.“We are a little bit smaller than what you would think, but we have big potential,”Mayor Hill asserts, reflecting the community’s optimistic outlook. This optimism is grounded in the city’s rich past and ongoing efforts to innovate and grow. TRANSFORMING TALLASSEE: INFRASTRUCTURE AND INVESTMENT Tallassee is not just relying on its rich history; it is also heavily investing in its future. Recent and upcoming infrastructure projects underscore the city’s commitment to modernization and growth. Tallassee just completed about a $4.75 million sewer rehabilitation upgrade to the sewer lagoons. This project will enhance capacity and ensure reliable service for residents for the next four to five decades, showcasing a forward-thinking approach to essential utilities. Downtown Tallassee is also getting a facelift. There’s an ongoing streetscape project to revitalize the city’s core. Partnering with the Alabama Department of Transportation, the city is making ADA-compliant and pedestrian-friendly sidewalks a crucial step in 99 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 05, ISSUE 06 TALLASSEE, AL