News

First Alabama megasite certified

April 9, 2007 — The Limestone County, Alabama, I-65 Megasite has been certified as the ninth megasite in the Tennessee Valley region and the first in Alabama. The site is located on Interstate 65 at mile marker 346 near Athens in North Alabama.

Limestone County Economic Development Association officials announced the certification of the 2,010-acre industrial property, and LCEDA President Tom Hill noted that the certification was the culmination of an extensive three-year effort by the community. "It will put our county on the map as being ready when automotive manufacturers seek new locations in the southeast U.S.," he said.

“North Alabama has always been an outstanding place to do business,” said U.S. Representative Bud Cramer of Alabama’s 5th Congressional District. “Having a megasite will make our area even more attractive for major employers to locate here.”

The property was certified by McCallum Sweeney Consulting (MSC) of Greenville, S.C., an independent firm commissioned by TVA in 2004 to review proposed megasites throughout the Tennessee Valley.

"Having a certified megasite ready for development in Limestone County along with access to affordable, reliable power gives the North Alabama region an advantage in recruiting new automotive assembly plants or related industries," said TVA President and CEO Tom Kilgore. "TVA will support our customers, the local community, and regional and state economic development partners as they pursue opportunities for the megasite."

Neal Wade, director of the Alabama Development Office, also emphasized the importance of the certification in competing for new economic development projects. “One of the most important roles of local governments and their development agencies is providing quality products – sites and buildings – that are ready for prospective industry,” Wade said. “Certification of this site is a major step toward competing for future projects.”