Friday, Creek Indian Enterprises Development Authority (CIEDA) formally announced administrative changes at the sports and family entertainment project currently known as Blue Collar Country, in Foley, according to a CIEDA press release. CIEDA is the economic development arm of the Poarch Band of Creek Indians.

“CIEDA will now have complete control of the project, accelerating the development’s timeline,” said CIEDA President/CEO James T. Martin. “We are excited about bringing a new entertainment venue to the south Alabama region and look forward to providing growth and additional job opportunities to the area.”

Until Friday, CIEDA had only a passive involvement in this project by providing the acquisition capital to acquire the land.

“From the beginning, our tribe saw the potential in this project,” PCI Tribal Council Chair Stephanie Bryan said. “This project will help showcase the great tourism assets in our area.

“We look forward to working with city officials and continuing our commitment to being good neighbors to our state by bringing this project to its full potential. The Poarch Creek Indians are very optimistic about the positive long-term economic benefits it will have on the region.”

The site has been busy with activity the past several weeks with the construction of the city’s 16 state-of-the-art ball fields and planning of the entertainment circle.

“The project has already generated enormous interest to our area,” said John Koniar, mayor of the city of Foley. “The state of Alabama and the city of Foley are under active negotiations with a world-class attraction that is interested in coming to the site. With CIEDA actively involved, it just strengthens the project’s feasibility.”

When building is complete, the premier destination will feature 520 acres of family fun including dining, shopping, entertainment spaces, amusement rides, an RV park and several hotels. There will not be gaming facilities.