June 28, 2010 – Dothan, Ala. – Senator Harri Anne Smith and Ashford Mayor Rusty Burgess announced today an Industrial Access Grant secured by Senator Smith. The grant is awarded to the City of Ashford to pave the main access road to Ashford Industrial Park, which is currently a gravel road, and connect it to US Highway 84. A ceremonial check presentation was made at today’s Houston County Commission meeting.
“Creating new jobs is my top priority, and I am proud to be a part of this project that will help with the expansion of local business and create more than 60 new jobs in the process” Smith said.
Industrial Access Grants are available to pay for the construction of public access roads to structures built by manufacturing, distribution, and industrial firms. These improvements will support the expansion of two existing companies: Summerford Pallet Company and Eastern Technologies. According to Matt Parker, President of the Dothan Area Chamber of Commerce, the expansion of these two firms will create 60+ jobs in the Ashford Community.
Mayor Burgess and Senator Smith express their sincere appreciation to everyone who helped make this project possible — The Ashford Industrial Development Board, Ashford City Council and Town Clerk, Houston County Commission, Houston County Road and Bridge Department, Dothan Area Chamber of Commerce, Summerford Pallet Company, and Eastern Technologies.
“Senator Smith worked hard with all of the aligned government and private entities to get us this money,” Burgess said. “Her commitment to our area knows no limits, and without her and her office this grant would not have gotten done, and these jobs would not be created in our area.”