By Staff
Melissa Cason
The county is getting closer to opening a new industrial park.
A groundbreaking ceremony was held Wednesday for the access road leading into the Mike Green Industrial Park.
Members of the Franklin County Industrial Board, Russellville Industrial Board, Franklin County Development Authority and the Franklin County Chamber of Commerce were present for the ceremony.
Mitch Mays, executive director of the Franklin County Development Authority, said the park was a vision that the late former Probate Judge Mike Green had for Franklin County, and that he was a leader in industrial development.
"We are grateful for his vision and his leadership," Mays said. "Adversity was just another reason to succeed to him. He never gave up."
Green's widow, Connie, and children, Mike Green, Jr., and Lisa Green Niedergese, were also present at the ceremony. Connie was presented with a plaque honoring her husband for his hard work and his dedication to industrial development in Franklin County.
Senator Roger Bedford told the group that he is also committed to working on industrial development for Franklin County as well as the entire state of Alabama.
"I am proud to be a small part that made this day possible," Bedford said. "We are planning for the future of Franklin County. We're getting ready for opportunities when they come."
Mays said he hopes construction on the road will begin in November, but he says his office has already started marketing the park to potential industry.
"It's got utilities, which are the big needs for industry," Mays said."Once the road is complete, the area will begin to look more like an industrial park."
Mays announced at the ceremony that the park was given the distinction of Advance Site.
"This park is one of three in Alabama that has received this designation," Mays said.