By By Adam Prestridge
Gulf Transport, Atmore’s newest industry, will have a much easier time refueling its trucks following an approval by members of the Atmore Industrial Development Board last week.
The board approved the trucking company’s request to build a 33×45 foot fueling station during its January meeting at Atmore City Hall.
Board President Richard Maxwell said that the city’s old covenant prohibited the usage of fuel storage yards.
Board members agreed that the covenant is out dated and interpreted it as tank yards such as the ones off Interstate 65 in Shelby County.
Maxwell agreed.
Maxwell added that the fuel station will feature a double wall, fiberglass tank and will be constructed on a concrete slab. It will also have a roof, according to artist renderings.
Maxwell added that the “specifics” of the fuel station would have to be approved by the city’s architectural review committee and be in compliance with city codes.
Project Manager Joe Webb also gave a monthly report on Rivercane, the city’s 643-acre development off I-65.
Webb reported that the Hampton Inn’s project manager recently visited with city inspectors regarding permits for construction of a new hotel in the commercial development. He added that they have stated that they plan to begin construction by the first of March.
According to Webb, another hotel, which had property under contract, was unable to secure financing and that contract has since lapsed. He added that the city is currently in the process of returning the hotel’s deposit.
In addition, Webb stated that he is working with the Alabama Department of Transportation in identifying funding that remains for road improvements in Rivercane. He said several road improvements are key to continued growth.
Coastal Gateway Regional Economic Development Authority President Wiley Blankenship also addressed the board discussing the growth potential the counties covered under the authority as well as Atmore have with landing spin-off businesses as a result of the recent announcement HK Motors made in Montgomery in late January.