Construction bid awarded for Morgan Center Business Park
The first phase of construction for the Morgan Center Business Park in Hartselle should begin in the near future.
The Morgan County Industrial Park and Economic Development Cooperative District awarded Waters Brothers Contractors of Decatur the phase one construction project on June 22 for $2.285 million.
Phase one construction consists of moving Byrd Road to create a more standard intersection with Thompson Road. Waters Brothers will demolish approximately 2,000 linear feet of two-lane Byrd Road along with the associated underground utilities, water, and gas and will replace with approximately 4,000 linear feet of new three-lane, curb and gutter roadway, including new gravity sewer service.
Hartselle Mayor Dwight Tankersley said it’s great sign to see this project begin.
“The Cooperative District is working hard every day to develop the infrastructure and diversify the companies and jobs recruited to Morgan County,” said Tankersley, who is also the vice chairman of the Cooperative District. “We are looking forward to seeing the additional progress.”
Phase one construction of the Morgan Center Business Park should begin in July with a contract duration of 270 calendar days. In addition to the new roadway, Waters Brothers will be constructing a new signature entrance, designed by Barge, Waggoner, Sumner and Cannon, along the frontage of Thompson Road. The new entrance will include signage, a water feature, fencing and landscaping.
This project will run simultaneously with a new capital improvements project by Hartselle Utilities to upgrade sewer service to the business park. Reed Contracting Co. of Huntsville received a contract to extend sewer service from the Hartselle-Morgan County Industrial Park on Thompson Road to the new Morgan County Business Park on Byrd Road and I-65. Reed’s bid was $1,072.50.
Phase one will also create three new shovel ready lots, with multiple configuration, subdivision options.
“I’m proud we are moving forward with phase one of Morgan Center,” said Chairman Ray Long, Morgan County Commission. “This is a good sign our Morgan County leaders are working together to promote jobs here in the County.”
Tankersley said it’s important to install the infrastructure at the park to help attract businesses.
“We’ve already had a lot of interest, but until we get the infrastructure built, businesses will cross us off the list,” Tankersley said. “Even if there are promises of improving infrastructure and that those improvements will fit into their timeframe, businesses are less likely to select that area compared to another that already has the infrastructure built.”
Tankersley said they hope to attract higher-end technology companies that will work NASA and Redstone Arsenal. TVA has also designated one of these lots to be a call center.
