Business Matters
Karin Hopkins
Exit #38 has developed steady momentum and is on track to deliver a significant economic impact to Tuskegee and Macon County in the very near future. That was the overarching message from economic development expert, Joe Turnham at a recent meeting held to update the public on the status of Exit #38. Spearheaded by Alabama New South Coalition (ANSC), the meeting was moderated by ANSC president, Norma Jackson. Acknowledging delays, Turnham explained the need for extensive studies saying the information is critical for developers who must justify their investments. He said it helps them feel comfortable when they hear statistics like this, “71% of credit card purchases in Macon County come from card holders who do not live in Macon County and they are affluent customers. This shows that a lot of money flows through this community.” Exit #38 is a public/private venture. With $1.2 million pledged by the Utilities Board of Tuskegee (UBT) combined with grant funds, $2 million is being sought from public sources while $15 million is expected from private investment.
Work has been ongoing, although it is the kind of work that is unseen by the general public – mostly infrastructure design. In fact, the Montgomery-based engineering company, KREBS, just a few days ago submitted design documents to the Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT) for review. Permits are expected within the next two weeks with bid openings in August and construction expected by September 2017. The first business to open will likely be Burger King, at a cost of approximately $1.6 million. However, before construction starts on the Burger King restaurant, critical infrastructure must be completed including curbs, lights, sewer, access roads and turning lanes.
As of this date, three businesses have put down stakes at Exit #38. Besides Burger King, the other commitments include an 80-room hotel, at a cost of $10 million and a $4 million fuel-service center that will include a cross-country bus company, gas station and food court. Unanticipated delays have occurred as community leaders searched for funding and were repeatedly slowed down by bureaucracy involving federal grants. They are confident that by 2018, Exit #38 will be a vibrant gateway into Tuskegee, Tuskegee University and historic assets. Since it is located off Interstate 85 near Moton Field, there are customers that are almost guaranteed for Exit #38 businesses. The National Park Service (NPS) welcomes thousands of visitors each year at the Tuskegee Airmen Site, which is just off Exit #38. Spending by those visitors is expected to generate revenues that will benefit UBT, the City of Tuskegee and Macon County.
To skeptics who remain doubtful that Exit #38 will ever happen, Program Manager Roland Vaughan says federal agencies are closely observing all activities due to the federal dollars involved in this venture. This high-level scrutiny coupled with the cooperation of all stakeholders, has propelled this project into another realm of BUSINESS MATTERS.
Karin Hopkins is also co-founder of ECHOboom, a digital media company that celebrates Tuskegee. She can be reached at ourchamberworks@gmail.com.
