Economic developer says DOT traffic counts are attractive

The River Falls Town Council learned this week that Covington County Economic Development Commission is talking with a manufacturer who could be interested in bringing jobs to the town.

Jacob Morgan of the CCEDC said he couldn’t go into details for the sake of confidentiality.

Councilwoman Mattie Freeney asked if the potential jobs would be good.

“These would be good wage paying jobs,” he said. “It’s also a plus that you have the railroad. It’s not a necessity, but it’s a plus.”

Freeney asked what other infrastructure the company may potentially need to seal the deal.

Morgan said access to fiber optics or at least DSL.

Additionally, the company is looking for a 240,000 square foot building or land for one.

Morgan was at the council meeting encouraging the council to identify the town’s assets.

“River Falls has a lot going for it,” he said. “The ALDOT (Alabama Department of Transportation) traffic count is the highest in the county at Hwy. 55 and Hwy. 84. It’s 10,000 a day.”

Morgan said it’s important for the town to develop its assets for quick answers.

“You have people who need an answer by Friday and they contact you on Wednesday afternoon,” he said. “It can be difficult to get the information, if you don’t already have it.”