Houston County’s Westgate Super Site named CSX ‘platinum select’; officials tout job and investment prospects

Colton, presenting to the Houston County Commission, said the 446‑acre Westgate Super Site has been recognized as a CSX platinum select site, placing it among an estimated 18 platinum sites nationwide. "This is really just a proven factor of how important and significant this site is to our community and to the state of Alabama," he said. Colton said the designation reflects extensive due diligence to remove barriers and called the site "shovel ready."

Colton described recent projects considered for the site as typically involving at least $800,000,000 in investment and about 500 jobs, and said being a platinum select site puts the county in the top 1% of CSX‑rated locations. "We have done an unreal amount of due diligence on a site to remove any barriers that may be perceived there and is identified as shovel ready," he said.

Commissioners and county staff framed the designation as a long‑term economic development win, saying it could create generational career opportunities for local residents and additional tax revenue for schools. The chair and other commissioners joined Colton and presented a commemorative plaque and railroad spike as part of a ceremonial photo.

The presentation did not include a specific prospective employer or a binding commitment of jobs or dollars; Colton and commissioners described the designation as improving the county’s competitiveness for large projects. The commission did not take a formal vote related to the site during the meeting. The county will continue site marketing and related economic development outreach, and commissioners said they expect to accept further proposals brought to the county in the future.