Tom Hill, , president of the Limestone County Economic Development Association, said the Top of Alabama Regional Council of Governments is in the process of writing a grant to the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs for $200,000. The group will also seek $100,000 from the Appalachian Regional Commission.
“We fully expect it to be funded,” Hill said, adding the project also needed $300,000 in matching funds.
On June 7, the Limestone County Commission agreed to put $60,000 toward the cost and the city of Elkmont, Electricfil and Snap-on have agreed to contribute the same amount. The final $60,000, Hill said, was secured through the Alabama Economic Development Office on the premise of Electricfil’s planned expansion.
"Electricfil wants to hire 200 or more people if they can get more water pressure," District 1 Commissioner Gary Daly said. "They have brought land across the road from their facility to build a new building." “Electricfil already has orders for three or four years in advance, so we knew they could guarantee jobs,” Tom Hill said.
Tom Hill said the tank will cost about $650,000 if built and would be funded through a private and public joint venture. Electricfil, Snap-On Tools, Limestone County, Elkmont and the Alabama Development Office have given verbal commitments to fund a grant match. The project has tentatively received approval for a $250,000 grant from the Alabama department of Economic and Community Affairs and a $100,000 grant from the Appalachian Regional Commission.
The final approval will not come until later this year. "We can have everything in place by May 2012 and start construction a year from now," Tom Hill said. However, other options are being explored and another solution may be approved.
"Electricfil wants to hire 200 or more people if they can get more water pressure," District 1 Commissioner Gary Daly said. "They have brought land across the road from their facility to build a new building."
“Electricfil already has orders for three or four years in advance, so we knew they could guarantee jobs,” Tom Hill said, adding that ADO would only contribute if the company could guarantee the addition of 75 jobs.
Electricfil produces electronic sendors and engine seals and currently employs nearly 80 people. In additon to Electricfil, the improved water pressure would help Snap On Tools.
Last November, Hill said the insurance provider for Snap-on Tools found the company did not have the correct water pressure for its fire protection systems. He said the issue was not a source of penalties or violations for the company, but conceded it might have eventually caused problems for both Snap-on and Electricfil.
“You have to meet a certain water pressure and volume. (The fire systems) will work, but just won’t work optimally,” Hill said. “You always want everything in your plant to work optimally.”
“You have to meet a certain water pressure and volume. (The fire systems) will work, but just won’t work optimally,” Hill said. “You always want everything in your plant to work optimally.”
Development news
Hill said the LCEDA has received a few inquiries from interested companies as of late, but did not want to release names. However, he said it’s a positive sign for the area.
“We’re just responding to their requests for information and we hope they come and visit,” he said. “If we can get them interested, we know we’ve got a chance.”
Source: Decatur Daily, Athens News Courier
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