BAY MINETTE – The South Alabama Megasite is buzzing with activity as work on the Novelis Aluminum Plant is underway. The Alabama Industrial Access Road and Bridge Corporation, under ALDOT's administration, recently awarded $5 million to assist with road improvements.

The grant will allow for improvements to be made to Highway 287 leading to the facility, including resurfacing, widening, and drainage enhancements and will also help fund the construction of an industrial access road on-site. The access road will be necessary to accommodate the expected traffic flow increase.

Baldwin County Commissioner James E. Ball said he was proud of the county's efforts to procure the grant.

"This grant award from the Industrial Access Road and Bridge Corporation will aid the Baldwin County Commission in delivering critical transportation infrastructure for Novelis' generational investment," Ball said. "I am appreciative of all of the help and effort made by state Sen. Greg Albritton, ALDOT Director John Cooper, State Treasurer Young Boozer, Finance Director Bill Poole and the Baldwin County Legislative Delegation for their partnership and commitment that will bring 1,000 new high-paying jobs in Baldwin County."

The $5 million grant awarded for this project makes up 45% of the total grant funds awarded this fiscal year by the Alabama Industrial Access and Road and Bridge Corporation. The selections are chosen based on the economic viability of projects regarding new or expanding industries committed to new investment and the creation of jobs.

Albritton said he was proud to have guided this grant through Montgomery to completion.

"The economic viability was a given with the Novelis site in Bay Minette," Albritton said. "My congratulations to Baldwin County commissioners, Mr. Cooper with the DOT, all the engineers and Novelis for achieving success on what could have been a difficult problem. Working together, we will bring generational economic strength to north Baldwin County."

Novelis is expected to create approximately $6.5 billion in total economic output and 900 indirect jobs in addition to the 1,000 direct jobs at the 3,000-acre, former South Alabama Megasite in Bay Minette. Novelis currently has approximately 100 employees in Baldwin County. The plant will be the first fully integrated aluminum mill built in the United States in 40 years and will be primarily powered by renewable energy, use recycled water and be a zero-waste facility.

Construction of the plant is projected to be completed in 2025.