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Covington County economic development office announces land purchase, new manufacturers and asks county for support
Summary
Jacob Morgan of the Covington County Economic Development Commission told the county commission that CCED will receive a SEEDS grant to buy 110 acres in River Falls and announced incoming manufacturers in Opp; he asked the county to consider direct funding to support local recruitment and infrastructure.
Jacob Morgan, with the Covington County Economic Development Commission, told the Covington County Commission on March 10 that CCED is being awarded a SEEDS grant "on April 30, 2026, to purchase 110 acres in River Falls for a total of $660,000.00," and that the CCED board will present a $440,000 check while his office will cover the remainder.
Morgan said the county railroad was recently returned to service and that restoring it cost "right at seven million" dollars to reestablish. He also announced factory openings in the county: Aquatic Leisure Technologies, an Australian fiberglass pool manufacturer, will hold a grand opening in Opp on March 17, and Opp Fiberglass Manufacturing will locate in the former Opp Mill to build boats. Morgan said he is also in talks with a convenience-store chain about a location in Red Level and that other prospects are under negotiation but could not yet be named.
Why it matters: Morgan framed the updates as evidence of private investment and job creation that may require county support for infrastructure, right-of-way clearances and site readiness. He asked the Commission to consider funding CCED to help close deals and prepare sites.
County Administrator Karen L. Sowell presented the routine consent items and financial reports following Morgan’s remarks. The commission did not take immediate, separate action on Morgan’s funding request during the March 10 meeting. The matter remains at the Commission’s discretion for future agenda consideration.
Next steps: Morgan’s announced SEEDS grant is scheduled for April 30, 2026, and the county may be asked to consider appropriation or infrastructure commitments in follow-up meetings.
