Reflections on the industrial park

By By Bob Francis, Guest columnist
Teamwork is defined as “work done by a number of associates, all subordinating personal prominence to the efficiency of the whole.” Morgan County has and is exemplifying this with two major initiatives: (1) Mallard-Fox Creek Industrial Park (hereafter referred to as Mallard-Fox) with extraordinary, proven success and (2) The initiative in progress to develop a new industrial park, yet unnamed, along I65. The two parks inceptions bear distinct similarities while their locations, physical characteristics and targeted tenants are much different.
Mallard-Fox along the Tennessee River west of Decatur began as an idea, in November 1981, by a small group of “pioneering” leaders discussing such a venture and the method of implementing and financing. From that time until 1985, they created and incorporated the Morgan County Port Authority to manage the project, acquired land and engaged professional financial advisory and industrial development studies. Enabling state legislation was enacted. The Morgan County Commission and all seven municipalities in the county came together to provide, prorated-by-respective populations, TVA-in-Lieu of Tax funds to secure a $9.8 million bond to finance the development. In June 1985 ground was broken for the access road to the site, kicking off the development. Hispan, now Hexcel, was the first company to locate in Mallard-Fox in 1988. The rest is a remarkable success story with benefits extending throughout the county and the region. A study conducted by the Office for Economic Development at the University of Alabama in Huntsville, revealed that as of December 2006, companies located in Mallard-Fox are providing an estimated economic benefit of:
With the final bond payment on Mallard-Fox scheduled for December 2007 and with available land for new tenants nearing depletion, discussions began in January 2005 to develop a new Morgan County industrial park. With Mallard-Fox as a success model, the overall approach is very similar. Once again, the County Commission and the seven municipalities have teamed to finance payment with TVA-in-Lieu of Tax funds. Total money committed by the entities combined with favorable interest rates have now yielded over $17 million for the new park.
Location, physical characteristics and targeted tenants for the new park are distinctly different from Mallard-Fox. The I65 Corridor Development Plan in 2002, also a product of teamwork, recommended industrial development along I65 in the vicinity of Thompson Road and toward Falkville. This plan greatly influenced the decision to target specific properties in the area. Properties in the area provide favorable terrain, are minimally encumbered with existing structures and offer opportunities for extensive park expansion.
Comprehensive transportation infrastructure exists in and near the area. Interstate 65 offers immediate access. The CSX Railroad presents an opportunity to develop a spur for rail access, river transport remains reasonably accessible, international air passenger and cargo are 25 minutes away via interstate highways and the Hartselle-Morgan County Regional Airport is nearby.
Water, sewer, electricity and natural gas either exist or can be reasonably provided to the area. Encasements beneath I65 are in place to extend water, sewer and gas beneath the interstate.
Characteristics of the new park and tenants sought will be significantly different from Mallard-Fox. Where Mallard-Fox caters to heavy industry with massive, sprawling and unique structures, the new park is being planned to accommodate light industry blended with office space.
Emerging industries and advanced manufacturers such as those associated with the Hudson-Alpha Institute for Biotechnology, NASA and Redstone Arsenal (all easily accessible by interstate highways) will be targeted. Being prominently visible from the interstate, the entire complex is envisioned to present a campus-like appearance. Restrictive covenants will assure maintenance of aesthetic and operational standards. Impressive interstate signage will draw attention to the park.
Groundbreaking will be this fall, and the new park should be ready as the economy recovers – another success story begins.