Walker County may soon see the development of a new industrial park in the east part of the county. David Knight, executive director of the Walker County Development Authority, recently revealed plans to create a marketable and ready-to-go industrial site to attract companies to the area.
Knight, along with the Walker County Commission, has identified some large tracts of land near Exit 78 of Interstate 22 in east Walker County.
“The proximity to Drummond Company’s Heritage Landing Development, which is currently under construction, makes the area even more attractive for potential development,” Knight said.
The primary site being considered for the industrial park is a 200-acre property owned by Alabama Power. The Development Authority has a purchase agreement in place with Alabama Power and is currently conducting due diligence to ensure the site is suitable for proposed uses.
“The suitability of the site is being assessed based on factors such as topography, soil conditions, environmental conditions, wetlands, and proximity to roadways,” Knight said.
The location, within a quarter mile of Exit 78 on I-22, provides easy access and minimizes the need for extensive road improvements.
Knight emphasized the importance of finding a suitable site that is easy to work with from a topographic standpoint.
“While Walker County’s topography presents challenges, the chosen location provides good access to infrastructure, including water, gas, and power,” Knight said. “Additionally, being on the east side of the county brings the industrial park closer to a larger population base, which is crucial for attracting a workforce.”
The initial site being considered is 200 acres, but there is potential for expansion up to 600 acres over time. The goal is to create a large single site or multiple large usable footprints, depending on engineering constraints such as wetlands or water issues.
The engineering analysis is expected to be completed within the next 90 days, and Knight hopes to finalize the purchase of the property by the end of the year.
“Once the purchase is complete, plans will be made for mass grading to prepare the site for potential companies,” Knight said. “Having a prepared pad reduces construction time and increases the chances of attracting companies that don’t have the luxury of starting from scratch.”
Funding for the purchase of the property will come from a combination of sources. The County Commission is expected to provide funding, and the Walker County Development Authority will leverage state programs such as Growing Alabama, which allows individuals or companies with high tax liabilities in the state to donate to economic development projects in exchange for tax credits.
Knight also mentioned the importance of publicly owned and controlled property for easier dealings with potential projects. While private properties are also marketed, having publicly owned property reduces bureaucratic hurdles.
“The proposed industrial park in east Walker County holds the potential to attract new industries and create job opportunities for the local workforce,” Knight said.
