Work on the industrial access road leading to the Custom Collars expansion at the Opp mini industrial park is one step closer to fruition.

The Opp City Council awarded a $272,409 bid to Grady Rawls Construction Monday.

City Planner Don Childre said the city has received a $350,000 grant from the Alabama Department of Transportation.

“We will come in a couple thousands dollars under budget with the engineer’s payment,” he said.

The city was awarded the grant for the road construction in the park in November 2009.

Opp Mayor H.D. Edgar said previously the city will construct a 10,000-square foot building for Custom Collars, and then it will be leased as a lease-purchase agreement back to Custom Collars.

The business, which is owned by Bruce Cauley, currently employs six people and will add about 15 jobs.

Edgar said the company has outgrown their facility.

Work is expected to begin once the city receives final approval from DOT.