Statewide Amendment 1 likely to pass, allowing Franklin Co. BOE to sell/rent land for funding

FRANKLIN COUNTY, Ala. (WHNT) — A statewide amendment looks likely to pass after Tuesday's election, allowing the Franklin County Board of Education to sell or rent its land for educational funding.

Over 73% of voters said yes to the measure with 37% of precincts reporting.

Amendment 1 sponsor Alabama Rep. Jamie Kiel, R-Russellville, said the 225 acres of land is potentially quite valuable and is owned by the Franklin County Board of Education.

Kiel said the property is located in a heavily trafficked area bordering Alabama Highway 13 which connects Florence to Tuscaloosa and I-22 which connects Memphis to Birmingham. But it could not previously be sold or leased because it is timberland under management by the Alabama Department of Conservation.

Amendment 1 changes that, allowing the school to sell or rent the property and use the proceeds for educational purposes.