Jefferson County to See Economic Growth with New 1,100-acre Industrial Park
Job Creation Expected to Surpass 4,700 as a Result
Birmingham, Ala. – In a significant step towards economic growth, Jefferson County is on course to generate more than 4,700 jobs. On Tuesday, the Jefferson County Economic and Industrial Development Authority (JCEIDA) announced that it has earmarked 1,100 acres for the development of a new industrial park.
JCEIDA Executive Director, Othell Phillips, expressed excitement about the project that could potentially provide thousands of employment opportunities to the county’s residents.
Preparing the Ground
The mostly unincorporated land in Jefferson County will soon witness foundational work, including the construction of roads, infrastructure, and utilities. Once the groundwork is complete, county leaders hope to attract companies to set up base and help shape Alabama’s economy.
JCEIDA has strategically chosen the location near Gardendale and Morris areas close to the I-65 highways, which could prove beneficial for suppliers, particularly from the automobile industry.
The Impact on Local Economy
Still, the primary focus of this industrial park development is job creation. Phillips emphasizes the importance of job growth for the broader economy.
“We are in the jobs business and when people get jobs, they spend money. They buy houses, they go to restaurants and retail operations, so it helps the economy as a whole,” said Phillips.
Planning for the Future
While the project marks an optimistic milestone in Jefferson County’s path to economic development, Phillips confirmed that they are currently undertaking diligent research and engineering on the site. The actual opening of businesses at the site is expected to be a few years away, but the potential impact on the community is promising.
As the world moves towards recovery from the economic impact caused by the global pandemic, projects like these offer a beacon of hope. Thousands of people have lost jobs, and opportunities for employment are crucial at this juncture.
The industrial park in Jefferson County is, surely, a giant leap in lightening this load and offering hope to the people of Alabama.
