Dothan seeks $3M grant for Houston County Distribution Park infrastructure upgrades

During the recent Houston County Commission meeting, officials discussed a significant opportunity to enhance infrastructure at the Houston County Distribution Park, which hosts businesses like McLean and Dixie Ag. The park has faced challenges due to inadequate water and sewer capacity, hindering its potential for growth and new job creation.

Commission members highlighted the importance of extending a 16-inch waterline, which is currently 2,400 feet short of connecting to a 10-inch line that serves the park. Additionally, the existing sewer treatment plant, with a capacity of 20,000 gallons per day, has limited room for expansion, leaving only 6,000 gallons per day available for new industries.

To address these issues, the commission plans to pursue a Growing Alabama grant, aiming to secure approximately $3 million for the necessary infrastructure improvements. This funding would facilitate the completion of the waterline extension and upgrade the sewer treatment plant to a capacity of 50,000 gallons per day.

Local support is crucial for the grant application, and officials are seeking in-kind services from local teams to strengthen their proposal. This includes assistance with dirt work for the new treatment plant and clearing for a proposed new road to improve access to the park.

The commission emphasized that these infrastructure upgrades are vital for attracting new industries and fostering economic growth in the region. By demonstrating local commitment alongside state resources, officials believe they can significantly enhance the park's appeal to potential businesses, ultimately benefiting the community as a whole.