Local economic development officials told the Dougherty County Commission Monday morning that they hope to have the Albany-Dougherty Industrial Park shovel-ready for occupancy by the middle to end of 2015.

The 225-acre park, which fronts on U.S. Highway 82 East and will offer rail service, could serve as a key enticement as the region courts new industry.

“This is a very strategic development,” said Justin Strickland, who will become president of the Albany-Dougherty Economic Development Commission at the end of a 14-day wait period from the day he was approved for the position by the EDC board. “It fronts on 82, a national highway; it has rail service, and it’s more than 200 acres of mostly flat land.

“Another factor for larger industries is that, because of its location, it could be coupled with the (former) Cooper Tire plant and become a 500-acre tract. A larger manufacturer could buy the Cooper plant and expand into all or part of the industrial park.”

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