On Monday, June 8, Fairhope City Council authorized Mayor Sherry Sullivan to submit a letter to Energy Southeast Inc. requesting a total of $30,000 through a Community Development Grant.

Of the requested funding, $20,000 will be used for operations of Hatch, a new entrepreneurial development center in the works at the old K-1 Center near downtown Fairhope. However, Councilman Jack Burrell said the $20,000 investment is nothing new and is part of a grant Energy Southeast has provided to the city for many years.

Having begun construction last year, the K-1 Center will soon serve as the headquarters for Hatch Fairhope, a group that provides tech entrepreneurs with resources including co-working spaces and educational programs in an effort to support technology-based startups and foster economic growth in Baldwin County.

The facility will include meeting space that can hold up to 250 people, office spaces, outdoor working areas and a courtyard. The project is expected to be completed later this year.

Besides Hatch, $3,000 will be used for a fireworks display as part of the city's celebrations for America's 250th Anniversary, while the remaining $7,000 is to be determined, with city officials discussing the possibility for using the additional funding for decor or an outdoor installment as part of their Fourth of July celebration