MONTGOMERY— Gov. Kay Ivey has awarded a $150,000 grant to create new commerce in the city of Opp.
The Community Development Block Grant funds will be used to provide the infrastructure needed for Midstates Petroleum Co. to construct “Bobcat Den,” a combined fueling station and convenience store. The business, to be located at the intersection of U.S. Highway 331 and Kinston Highway (Alabama Highway 52), will employ 25 people and will bring added sales tax and other revenue to the city.
“Small businesses are the backbone of almost any economy, and those businesses together bring significant revenue to a city,” Gov. Ivey said. “Midstates Petroleum Co. has already shown it will be a hometown player by naming its new fueling station after Opp High School’s mascot, the bobcat. These grant funds will ensure local traffic will be able to safely access this new business.”
Midstates plans to construct a 4,500-square-foot facility on a five-acre site. The business will have eight gasoline and three diesel fuel pumps. In addition to the convenience market, a Sbarro Pizza quick-serve restaurant with a drive-through window will be located at the store.
CDBG funds will be used to provide turning lanes on the highways fronting the business. The creation of these lanes will enable drivers to safely enter and exit.
The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs is administering the grant from funds made available by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.
“With more than 7,000 vehicles per day traveling through that location, including many going to and from coastal beaches, this is a good location for that type of business,” ADECA Director Kenneth Boswell said. “ADECA is pleased to join Gov. Ivey in this project that will provide many benefits to the city.”
Gov. Ivey notified Opp Mayor Becky Bracke that the grant had been approved.
ADECA administers an array of programs supporting law enforcement and traffic safety, economic development, energy conservation, water resource management and recreation development.
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