Dale commission OKs economic development incentive

An economic development incentive request to benefit an Ariton-based business was approved at the Dale County Commission meeting Sept. 22.

Quality Fab, a metal fabrication company, is expected to add 22 jobs as a result of the expansion project, Ozark-Dale County Economic Development Corporation Executive Director Veronica Crock told commissioners as she made the request for funding.

“This project will result in expansion of an existing business,” Crock said. “This project provides a valuable economic development incentive that directly results in providing 22 jobs to Dale county citizens and a total capital investment of $838,060.

Quality Fab specializes in truss conveyors, structural steel and plate work. “The company has steadily grown in the last few years, investing over $1.6 million and adding 41 new jobs,” Crock said. “With this expansion, the company will add a new sandblasting facility and is seeking funding for roadway improvements along Market Street which will include roadway widening, new roadway sections, traffic striping and drainage improvements.”

The requested amount from the county is $43,000, Crock said. “The actual company investment in the project is $544,480. They sent in a grant request to the Alabama Department of Transportation for $250,580 to widen a road that leads to the facility.

Crock said the total project budget is $838,060 with the partnership of Quality Fab, ALDOT, ODCEC, the town of Ariton and the Dale County Commission.

Dale County Commission Chairman Mark Blankenship said that as of Aug. 31, the county has $258,000 in the Lodging Tax Fund, which funds economic development requests. The commission unanimously approved the incentive request.

The next meeting of the Dale County Commission is Tuesday, Oct. 13, in the Dale County Government Building in Ozark. A work session begins at 10 a.m. and is followed immediately by a voting meeting. Both meetings are open to the public.