Railcar plant's impact hard to fathom

One day soon, you will see massive road equipment heading to western Colbert County.

The trucks, tractors and all other pieces of machinery will be going to Barton Riverfront Industrial Park.

Once there, they will take on the major task of turning several hundred acres into a level piece of ground suitable to hold a major manufacturing plant.

That's where the National Alabama railcar plant will be built. When the project is completed, the plant will stretch nearly a mile long and 400 feet wide. It will ultimately become the working home to 1,800 people and one of the larger manufacturing operations in Alabama.

Work must be done in a hurry if the company is to reach its goal of beginning production in early 2009.

The first step is preparing the site for construction. If you think that's easy, consider the fact that 1.5 million yards of dirt must be moved within the next 60 days or so. Next, a huge concrete foundation will be laid for the building. Then, as I understand it, three contractors will be used to erect the steel used in the actual plant structure.

All that takes place before the company brings in all the equipment needed to make railcars.

The point is, think about the economic impact National Alabama will have on the Shoals long before the first railcar is produced.

Hopefully, a large number of construction workers will live in our area. Even if all of the workers live outside the area, which won't be the case, they will be spending a lot of money while they're here. Workers will need to eat, somewhere to sleep at night, new clothes at some point and they'll need toothpaste and all the other necessities of life.

Well over 1,000 construction workers will be needed and they will be paid quite well to build this massive building. They will be spending money for sure.

Look at all of the materials and equipment that will be needed to clear the land and build the plant. Surely, local merchants will see a big boost in business.

Others also will benefit as the construction and ultimately the production process unfolds.

Tuscumbia, for example, will surely see new businesses come, particularly along U.S. 72. A work force of 1,800 employees will need places to spend that money, right? National Alabama could make a huge impact on the town, which has a need to increase its sales tax base. It will help all local governments in some form.

It's hard to find a negative with this operation. And it's going to be fun seeing a major piece of our area's history grow literally from the ground up.

Mike Goens is the TimesDaily managing editor. He can be reached at 740-5740 or mike.goens@timesdaily.com.