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Hopes Run High for $20M Phenix City Development By Cindy Riley CEG CORRESPONDENT

Construction crews in Phenix City, Ala., are making progress on a more than $20 million undertaking known as The Village at Crosswinds. When complete, the mixed-use project will offer medical, service-related businesses and retail options in what planners hope will be a regional destination. “Phenix City is a very underserved market, with Columbus, Ga., immediately across the river,” said edsAmerica President and CEO Patrick Denney. “This is a particularly excellent location, because the fast-growing communities of Fort Mitchell, Seale, Pittsview and the area surrounding The Village at Crosswinds are cut off from basic services. There are two colleges across the street from the development, in Troy University’s Phenix City’s Campus and Chattahoochee Valley Community College. “The most surprising bonus for the site is the 35,000-plus vehicles per day traveling along Highway 431 South/North. It’s the beach artery from the East Coast to 30-A/Fort Walton Beach. There are a number of dynamics in play that will contribute to the success of this development.” Denney said his team’s mission is clear. “We are focused on delivering what will be the best product in Phenix City, with it being a total tilt-wall package that will allow us to do many things. This will be new to the retail sector in this area. We build only institutional-quality developments. The mixed use of the development will be appealing to the market and serve as a destination development for the many travelers headed to the beach, as well. “We believe local concepts are preferred in local communities these days. They often offer better quality goods and services, with a real focus on customer service. Plus, they tend to be more owner/operator-driven, which translates into more stability for the business. We do like new concepts to the market, and those that feel like they blend into the local

Eddie Campbell – Crossland Construction photo

A motorgrader works the land in the initial stages of a $50 million development in Phenix City, Ala.

market well, and don’t seem so national franchise driven.” Renfroe’s Market, a Montgomery, Ala.-based grocery store operator, will anchor the development in a 40,000-sq.ft. building. “We identified several grocers for the development, and met with many,” Denney said. “As we got to know the Renfroes more and their desire to grow, we realized they were a perfect fit. It also fit nicely into their distribution pattern with grocery stores in Montgomery, Dadeville and now Phenix City. They are looking at more locations, but this will be their first true build-to-suit, thus giving them a prototype to development in other markets.” A groundbreaking ceremony was held in July 2018 to for-

mally unveil the project, which will benefit from a rear entrance to Fort Benning. “It was one of the biggest turnouts we’ve had,” said Denney. “We heard time and again how important this project was for this part of Phenix City, which has often felt ignored and often times forgotten, even though in our opinion this area has the greatest potential for real growth. The more the city can offer its residents, the more successful it will be in recruiting new residents that would otherwise live in Columbus.” Denney said it’s rewarding to see construction finally under way. see PHENIX page 10

ALDOT Selects First Transit Projects Under Rebuild Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey recently announced two major transportation projects in the Limestone and Madison county area were selected by the Alabama Department of Transportation for the Rebuild Alabama Act First Year Plan 2020. The first project includes resurfacing and

revising lanes on Interstate 565 from Interstate 65 to County Line Road to provide an additional lane in each direction through the partial use of shoulders, making it a sixlane interstate. The second project will allow for the expansion of the interchange on I-65 at Tanner and widening Browns Ferry Road

to be extended westward across to U.S. Highway 31. “While the Huntsville and surrounding areas are booming with continual economic growth, it was imperative we make enhancements to their infrastructure system for the nearly 60,000 vehicles traveling on I-565

daily. Both improvement projects will be significant strides for this area,” Ivey said. “This will improve the daily commute for several thousand drivers and provide access to the new Mazda-Toyota joint assembly plant. When we began on the road to see REBUILD page 8

Page 2 • May 22, 2019 • www.constructionequipmentguide.com • Alabama State Supplement • Construction Equipment Guide

Alabama Sets Record With $8.7B in Investment in 2018 Gov. Kay Ivey recently announced that companies locating new facilities in Alabama or expanding existing operations invested $8.7 billion in growth projects during 2018, establishing a new annual record for the state. These economic development projects, outlined in the comprehensive 2018 New & Expanding Industry Report released in April, will generate an anticipated 17,000 new jobs in communities across the state. “By attracting this historic total for new capital investment in 2018, Alabama is showing the world that it is a prime location for business and that our skilled workers can handle every challenge,” Ivey said. “Companies from around the globe want to be part of the gold standard brand that is known as ‘Made in Alabama.’” The 2018 New & Expanding Report, compiled by the Alabama Department of Commerce, provides a detailed look at the results of 357 economic development projects successfully completed across the state during the year. Key findings in the report include: • Growth in important industry sectors including automotive and aerospace remained strong in 2018, creating momentum for future gains. Other sectors, particularly forest products, also charted a growth trajectory. • Alabama attracted foreign direct investment approaching $4.2 billion last year from companies in 16 different countries, generating 7,565 new and future jobs. Japanese com-

panies led the way, with $1.8 billion in investment and 4,245 jobs. • Companies announced 2018 projects involving more than $1.1 billion in new investment and 1,128 jobs in Alabama’s rural, or “targeted” counties, making them eligible for enhanced incentives. Bibb County will become home to 337 new jobs, tops among these counties. • Limestone County was the leader in new investment and job creation through projects in 2018, with $1.7 billion in announced investment and 4,172 new jobs. The auto assembly plant being built by Mazda Toyota Manufacturing USA in Huntsville accounts for most of those totals. “The high level of economic development activity in 2018 sets the stage for sustained growth and expanded opportunity across Alabama,” said Greg Canfield, secretary of the Alabama Department of Commerce. “This success solidifies my belief that we are building a more dynamic economy in Alabama and creating a pathway to greater prosperity for its citizens.” Alabama’s auto industry recorded an especially strong year for growth, highlighted by the Mazda-Toyota partnership’s decision to locate a coveted joint assembly plant in Huntsville. The project represents a $1.6 billion investment and the creation of 4,000 direct jobs. In addition, Mercedes-Benz launched construction on a battery assembly plant in Bibb County that will create 325 jobs and facilitate production of Alabama-built electric vehi-

cles. Hyundai and Honda also announced expansion projects in 2018, while several suppliers selected Alabama locations for their growth plans. Other significant projects included: • Airbus will open a second assembly line at its Mobile manufacturing facility for the production of A220 aircraft, reinforcing the Port City’s status as aviation production hub. The $264 million project will create 430 jobs. • Reflecting a strategic push to recruit technology-focused jobs, Amazon and Facebook both announced major projects in Alabama. Also, Birmingham-based Shipt announced plans to hire 880 workers. • Rural counties benefited from activity in the forest products sector, with Westervelt, Rex Lumber and Great Southern Wood all announcing plans for new Alabama production facilities, creating a combined 335 direct jobs. Along with Limestone, the top Alabama counties for new capital investment in 2018 were Madison, with $1.1 billion, and Tuscaloosa, with $670 million. In job creation, Jefferson was No. 2, with 3,421 anticipated jobs, and Madison was No. 3, with 1,043 jobs. Both the investment and job-creation figures for Alabama in 2018 exceed the totals for the previous year. The previous annual record for new capital investment from economic development projects was $7.1 billion, set in 2015, according to Alabama Department of Commerce data. 

Black & Veatch to Help Convert Georgia-Pacific to Invest Coal Units to Gas-Powered Plants $120M in Choctaw Co. Mill Black & Veatch, an employee-owned design and construction company specializing in energy, water and telecommunications infrastructure, recently announced it has been selected by PowerSouth Energy Cooperative to engineer and manage construction of a combined-cycle gas turbine facility that will deliver clean and efficient energy to customers across Alabama and northwest Florida. PowerSouth is a generation and transmission electric co-operative serving 16 electric co-ops and four municipal electric systems in the two states. The new facility, to be located near Leroy, Ala., is expected to begin construction in mid2020 and will feature high-efficiency combustion gas turbine technology. The plant also will include water-cooling and air-quality strategies to efficiently meet rising demand for cleaner energy among PowerSouth customers. “Our expertise in power plant conceptual and detail design, and construction management gives PowerSouth a focal point to streamline the project for on-time and on-budget delivery,” said Mario Azar, president of Black & Veatch’s power business. “Combined-cycle technology offers clear advantages in terms of efficiency and scale, and the cost of natural gas means PowerSouth can take advantage of an affordable and plentiful energy source well into the future.” Capacity generated by the new facility will

replace the output of three PowerSouth coalfired units now scheduled to cease operation in 2020. The addition of the natural gas unit also complements PowerSouth’s existing diverse generating mix that includes natural gas, hydroelectricity, compressed air energy storage and purchased power agreements. “As technology evolves and natural gas continues to be an efficient source of energy, we’re prepared to meet the changing demand for power,” said Gary Smith, PowerSouth CEO. “Our Lowman plant has served as a strong source of baseload generation for decades and has been an important part of our reliable and cost-effective portfolio. With Black & Veatch’s expertise in advanced combined cycle units, we’re confident that as we meet the changing needs of our members, we’ll continue to deliver safe, reliable and efficient power to the region.” Black & Veatch recently was honored with a Project of the Year award by the Engineers’ Society of Western Pennsylvania for the company’s engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) work on Tenaska’s Westmoreland natural gas power generation station. Advanced gas turbine, water-cooling and air-quality technologies are helping Tenaska meet rising power demand in the Northeast while satisfying state and federal emissions standards. For more information, visit www.bv.com. 

Georgia-Pacific announced plans May 1 to invest more than $120 million to add a new tissue machine and roll storage building at its mill in Choctaw County, Ala., the latest substantial investment in the facility. The new projects continue Atlantabased Georgia-Pacific’s modernization of the Naheola mill, which includes ongoing construction of a new biomass boiler and woodyard. Georgia-Pacific said the modernization projects position the mill and its overall business to be competitive in the market. “This is one of many investments we are making at our operations across the state of Alabama, and it highlights the long history and great relationships we have in the state and in the communities where we operate,” said Christian Fischer, CEO and president of GeorgiaPacific. In the past five years, GeorgiaPacific’s capital investment at the Naheola mill has totaled more than $500 million, and its statewide investments have totaled approximately $1.6 billion. Across Alabama, Georgia-Pacific operates eight facilities, employs more than 2,600 employees directly and pays

more than $204 million in direct wages and benefits. The Naheola mill currently employs more than 900 people. The Alabama mill produces retail bath tissue and paper towels used by consumers and also makes bleached paperboard, which is sold on the market and used to make Georgia-Pacific’s Dixie plates, cups and bowls. “This is a great day to celebrate for our employees, the Naheola mill community and most importantly for our current and future customers,” said Kathy Walters, group president of Georgia-Pacific Consumer Products Group. “All of these stakeholders benefit from these investments to make the Naheola mill a modern and competitive operation.” Georgia-Pacific said engineering and related work has begun on the project, and startup of the new machine is scheduled for 2020. An average of 200 construction and contract-related workers are expected to be on site at the mill every day during the project, with a potential peak of 400 contract workers per day at the height of construction. 

Construction Equipment Guide • Alabama State Supplement • www.constructionequipmentguide.com • May 22, 2019 • Page 3

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Page 4 • May 22, 2019 • www.constructionequipmentguide.com • Alabama State Supplement • Construction Equipment Guide

Southland, JCB of Alabama Showcase Newest Product Lines at Leeds Event

outhland Machinery and its sister company, JCB of Alabama, hosted a demo event on May 3 at the company’s Leeds, Ala. location. The event served to provide an opportunity to test equipment and spotlight and promote the (L-R): Mark Long, owner of Southland Machinery, wel- newest product offerings from JCB, comes customers Heath Seelbinder and Chris Roll of SANY, Dressta, and Bandit. Brisco Construction, Riverside, Ala., to the event. Representatives of JCB and other manufacturers came out to support the event, where giveaways and prizes were awarded throughout the day. Good fortune for good weather as lunch was cooked and served outside the showroom area with plenty of time for guests to talk to their Southland Machinery/JCB of Alabama salesmen about the machines on display around the grounds at the Leeds location. CEG

Some of the big winners of the day included (L-R): Michael Cosby, MC Plumbing, Heflin, Ala., winner of a “swag bag” from Bandit; Jason Smith, city of Birmingham (Ala.), four tickets to an upcoming Birmingham Barons baseball game; Pete Tray, city of Pell City, one week free rental of a mini-excavator; and Chris Gardner of Ragland Water Works, a $1,000 off next machine purchase certificate.

A rather comprehensive line-up of Bandit machines were on display for the event.

(L-R): Southland’s newest sales representative, Ritchie Franklin; Southland Machinery/JCB of Alabama owner Mark Long; and JCB regional sales representative David Barker have the machines lined up and ready for the crowd to turn out on a beautiful sunny Birmingham, Ala., day.

Jarrod Plunkett (L), JCB of Alabama goes over some of the newest features on the JCB 220X LC excavator with Kevin Carter (in cab) of the Ragland Alabama Water Department and Paul Davis of the Ragland Alabama Street Department.

A nice crowd rolled in at lunch time for some great food.

Patrick McAlister (L) of McAlister Grading, Vestavia, Ala., and Connor Smith, sales representative of Southland Machinery, open up a JCB 220X during a demo of the machine.

Both SANY full-sized and mini-excavators were on display and available for attendees to get some operating time if they chose to.

Southland Machinery/JCB of Alabama owner Mark Long (R) talks with staff members of the city of Birmingham about some of the machines of interest and on display at the event.

Construction Equipment Guide • Alabama State Supplement • www.constructionequipmentguide.com • May 22, 2019 • Page 5

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Page 6 • May 22, 2019 • www.constructionequipmentguide.com • Alabama State Supplement • Construction Equipment Guide

Construction Equipment Guide • Alabama State Supplement • www.constructionequipmentguide.com • May 22, 2019 • Page 7

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Page 8 • May 22, 2019 • www.constructionequipmentguide.com • Alabama State Supplement • Construction Equipment Guide

Four More Alabama Firms Tapped for Work on Airbus Plant Birmingham Ala.-based HPM, which is overseeing the construction of a second assembly line at Airbus’s manufacturing facility in Mobile, announced that four other Alabama firms will play major roles in the project. The new assembly line will allow Airbus to accelerate production of a second aircraft in Alabama, the A220 passenger jet. Airbus said the expansion will increase its workforce in Mobile by more than 430 employees. HPM, which acted as project manager for Airbus’s $600 million first assembly line, will join with its partner Mott MacDonald to perform in the same role for the expansion. Airbus kicked off construction on the A220 assembly line in January. The new assembly line will be located at the Mobile Aeroplex at Brookley, adjacent to the A320 family production line and will facilitate assembly of A220-100 and A220300 aircraft for U.S. customers. “Our intent is to implement and execute a fast-track delivery process to ensure the goals of this project are met,” said HPM Vice President of Program Development Greg Ellis. “We’re confident these teams have the industry expertise and resources necessary to meet the goals of Airbus and the A220 project as a whole.”

design-build services for four additional hangar bays. BL Harbert is teaming with the design firm FSB. “BL Harbert International is honored to continue our relationship with Airbus on this expansion,” said Jeremy Pipkin, vice president of BL Harbert International. “It is a privilege to play a part in the immense impact that Airbus is having on the local and state economy. A320 Production Ramp-Up Airbus began manufacturing A320 family aircraft in

Mobile in late 2015 and plans to expand production of the passenger jet in Alabama. To date, it has delivered more than 100 Alabama-built aircraft to customers. HPM, which has offices in Alabama, Georgia, Texas, and Florida, is responsible for managing all aspects of the design and construction of the new A220 facility, as well as expansion of Airbus’s current facilities to accommodate increased A320 family production on the site. HPM was involved in the construction of the Airbus Engineering Center in Mobile more than a decade ago. 

Alabama Governor’s Office photo

Fireworks accompanied the groundbreaking ceremony for Airbus’s new A220 assembly line in Mobile.

Alabama Partners HPM said that Birmingham-based Brasfield & Gorrie, teamed with Huntsville-based design firm BRPH, has been selected for Package 1 of the project, which consists of design-build services for the building of the new A220 final assembly line and existing logistics center expansion. “Brasfield & Gorrie is honored and excited to continue its relationship with Airbus, HPM/Mott MacDonald, Mobile Airport Authority, and the city of Mobile by building the new A220 final assembly line,” said Brasfield & Gorrie Regional Vice President and division manager John Strid. “Having built multiple projects at the Brookley Aeroplex, including the first Airbus Final Assembly Line, we are able to bring considerable experience to the construction of this important facility,” he added. The project is targeted for completion in mid-2020. HPM also said that H.O. Weaver and Sons of Mobile will carry out preparations to make the building site ready for construction. This covers activities from site preparation, creation of access routes, and the installation of facilities like security fencing, ramps, and signage placement. In addition, BL Harbert International of Birmingham has been selected for Package 3 of the project, which consists of

Limestone, Madison Counties to Receive ‘Rebuild’ Assistance REBUILD from page 1

Rebuild Alabama, I promised our state would see real results, real improvements and a promising future, and we’re certainly delivering on that.” Ivey signed into law the Rebuild Alabama Act March 12, after it received bipartisan support in the Alabama Legislature. The bill, sponsored by Rep. Bill Poole and Sen. Clyde Chambliss, gradually increases Alabama’s fuel tax over the next three years. “I commend Gov. Ivey’s leadership in passing Rebuild Alabama and her commit-

ment to keep Alabama growing,” Alabama House Speaker Mac McCutcheon said. “Additional lanes on Interstate 565 will greatly reduce congestion and aid commerce in one of the fastest growing regions of our state. I, along with my colleagues, are pleased to see such quick returns from the Rebuild Alabama Act passing.” Both improvement projects will increase access to the Mazda-Toyota development, relieve congestion on I-565 and will help pave the way for further economic growth. “The state of Alabama and the city of

Huntsville continue to be great partners to spur growth in this area, as well as across the state. We saw it when Alabama landed the coveted Mazda-Toyota joint assembly plant, and we’re seeing it today with the announcement of these two important infrastructure projects,” Huntsville Mayor Tommy Battle said. “Governor Ivey has been instrumental to our recent successes, and I was proud to support her in her efforts to Rebuild Alabama. Adding lanes to this critical corridor ensures our continued economic growth.”

Beginning in January, state, county, and municipal governments in Alabama will begin to see additional revenue from the fuel tax increase of six-cents which begins in September. Once the 10-cent increase is fully implemented in 2021, Madison County will receive an additional $3.5 million dollars and Limestone County will receive $1.27 million, on top of what they already receive, to be used for various transportation infrastructure projects. 

Construction Equipment Guide • Alabama State Supplement • www.constructionequipmentguide.com • May 22, 2019 • Page 9

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Page 10 • May 22, 2019 • www.constructionequipmentguide.com • Alabama State Supplement • Construction Equipment Guide

Weather Could Impact Phenix City Development Schedule PHENIX from page 1

“It is the start of the real process of making it a reality, but all the hard work and perseverance goes into making it happen to begin with, or construction would never be possible. So much goes into finding the right anchor, tenants, as well as obtaining investors, financing, city incentives, buy-in from the community, etc. “I’m as guilty as the next person, but when you see something coming out of the ground, you never really stop to think how hard it was for the developer, users and tenants to make it to that point. There are rewards all along the way — each step or benchmark reached, with the next coming right up and hitting you the face. It certainly isn’t for the faint of heart. But we love it and understand the rules of the game.” As for the reaction from the community, Denney said, “While we have been very well-received, the more we are involved from a local level, we sense a lack of confidence and insecurity Phenix City feels with Columbus towering over them. They obsess over this, it seems, and they don’t realize they can truly do anything they set their minds to and commit themselves to seeing projects through. “I see this in many communities. They just don’t know how to finish and realize its true potential.” Construction will feature tilt-wall structures, with deco stone and enhancements throughout. A number of businesses have reportedly shown interest in the project, and discussions are continuing. There will be approximately 65,000 sq. ft. retail and grocer space and seven to eight pads of new development. The total area is 22 acres, but in working with both adjacent landowners,

officials have improved some 50 acres that will be ready for development. The biggest challenges regarding construction have involved the volume amount of dirt moving and excavation required to level the grades, thus allowing access from the highway and visibility for the buildings. The site work required moving more than 250,000 cu. yds. of dirt, plus building several high retaining walls. Work began in June 2018. Described as “virgin treed land,” the property had to be cleared before construction could start, and various tasks have been delayed because of the elements. “Weather has been a huge factor to date,” said Denney. “We have lost over 90 days,

due to inclement weather.” Key tasks yet to be carried out include moving the remaining 50,000 cu. yds. of dirt, finishing the storm and water underground systems and paving the city road and parking areas. Phenix City, the seat of Russell County, is located in East Alabama along the west bank of the Chattahoochee River. Long associated with gambling, crime and corruption, the town was depicted in the 1955 film “The Phenix City Story,” following the assassination of Albert Patterson, the Democratic nominee for state attorney general. Though it was once dubbed “the wickedest city in the United States,” a dramatic cleanup decades ago put Phenix City on the right path. Today,

Eddie Campbell – Crossland Construction photo

Key tasks still to be carried out include installation of storm and water underground systems.

it’s the county’s largest metropolitan area and is committed to future development. “This community is beyond excited about the new Village at Crosswinds project,” said Mayor Eddie Lowe. “We are anticipating a construction time frame of approximately 20 more months, with an economic impact of three times the construction cost, which equates to $50 million for the Phenix City community. “Many of our residents are eagerly awaiting the convenience of the shopping options the development will bring to the area, especially the hundreds of families who live in the Fort Mitchell part of Russell County. We believe this will also be a stop for the thousands of beachgoers traveling this way to the Florida beaches.” Lowe described the development as the beginning of more retail and commercial prospects for East Alabama, which will lead to future investment opportunities. “We have always viewed Columbus as our neighbor and as partner, and when positive things happen, we know it means increased economic and quality of life improvements for the entire Chattahoochee Valley. “We hope the property will be completed on time and have already been entertaining conversations with people who are ready to sign leases. We anticipate a very short lease up time for the entire project, including the side parcels.” Said Lowe, “Phenix City is moving in a positive direction, and our opportunities seem to be boundless. This mixed-use development will result in a stunning and easy to access development that will sustain population growth in the region for years to come.”  CEG

Eddie Campbell – Crossland Construction photo

Grading at the site allows access from the highway and will ensure visibility for the buildings.

Described as “virgin treed land,” the property had to be cleared before construction could start.

Construction Equipment Guide • Alabama State Supplement • www.constructionequipmentguide.com • May 22, 2019 • Page 11

www.heavymachinesinc.com MOBILE, AL 7651 Theodore Dawes Rd. Theodore, AL 36582 888-884-2388 | 251-653-5955

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Page 12 • May 22, 2019 • www.constructionequipmentguide.com • Alabama State Supplement • Construction Equipment Guide