By Staff
John Dilmore Boone News Servic
A multi-jurisdictional group trying to lure a major employer to the area is taking the step of making its efforts more official by incorporating – a move the Escambia County Commission OK'd during its regularly scheduled meeting Monday morning.
The commission voted unanimously to approve the Tri-County Interstate Industrial Development Authority's application for incorporation, a move which costs the county no more than that favorable vote.
The Tri-County project began life in early December, under a different name – the Shotgun Hill project. At the time, it was named for the undeveloped area near I-65 where those backing the effort hope to build an industrial park, then market that park to big employers.
The new Tri-County label better suits the project's efforts as they've evolved, as entities from Escambia, Conecuh and Monroe Counties have come on board and lent the project their support – financial and otherwise.
The idea behind the project is that a large employer locating in the area would benefit all involved, and that to lure such a company, a site with direct access to I-65 was needed.
The Tri-County site is located off Hwy. 41, just on the other side of the Conecuh County line.
Also Monday, the commission voted to move forward with the purchase of two Yamaha Big Bear ATVs to be used by the county's Forestry Department.
The ATVs, which come at a cost of $9,400, are being purchased from Hattiesburg Cycle of Hattiesburg, MS. Hattiesburg Cycle was the lowest bidder on the ATVs.
The new 4×4 vehicles are being paid for with funds raised by the sale of timber from the Conecuh National Forest. A percentage of the funds are earmarked for such purchases.
In other action, the commission voted to enter into a 5,500 contract with Examiners of Public Accounts, which will conduct an audit of county business conducted from Oct. 1, 2002 to Sept. 30, 2003.
Also, the commission approved a liquor license for Frosty Acres, an establishment on Hwy. 21 near the Monroe County line.