THEODORE, Alabama (WALA) – It doesn’t seem like much now, but developers hope that a wooded area near Rangeline Road will one day be home to 2,500 workers who form a key link in America’s corporate supply chain.

Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey led a team of dignitaries at Wednesday’s groundbreaking ceremony for the 500-acre site, slated to become a storage and distribution center for products passing through the Port of Mobile. The first phase of the project, called RailPort Logistics Mobile, is estimated to cost $250 million. It is part of a total planned investment of $700 million.

“There is a concerted commitment to strengthening the port because it drives economic growth in our state,” Ivey said. “Although it is called the Port of Mobile, it is actually the port of Alabama. The Port of Mobile reaches every corner and every industry in our state.”

during a project announcement In December, a representative for developer Scannell Properties described it as a “unicorn” site because of its unique combination of proximity to the port and Interstate 10, and its access to a rail line.

Scannell Properties is already marketing the site to potential tenants, which could range from logistics companies to manufacturers.

Christina Bottomley, vice president of business development and real estate for CSX, said the Theodore location is one of fewer than 20 nationwide considered “platinum” sites for its combination of factors that prepare it for immediate development. In addition to the railroad branch line and location, Bottomley said other factors included utilities and ease of zoning.

Bottomley said businesses such as food manufacturers could be attracted to the site because of the railroad and easy access to the interstate. And while some may not even use the Port of Mobile, he added that the CSX line will allow containers arriving at the Port of Mobile to be loaded directly onto trains and then dropped off at businesses in the park, all without the need for trucks. .

“Our whole mission is to get trucks off the roads and provide more rail service,” he told FOX10 News. “We can transport 500 tons of cargo on one gallon of gasoline, which is pretty incredible. And the railroad is one of the most efficient ways to transport goods throughout the United States.”

Mobile County taxpayers also have a stake in this project. The Mobile City Council approved an agreement with the developer and the Mobile County Industrial Board to contribute $2 million to the project. And the Mobile County Commission agreed to reimburse the developer for up to $2 million in road improvements.

As part of the agreement with city and county leaders, Scannell Properties will set aside about 149 acres for conservation and agree to restrictions on hazardous materials.

“This is truly a powerful example of public-private partnership,” Commissioner Connie Hudson said from the podium.

Jonathan Gemmen, a consultant who helped CSX evaluate the Thedore site, praised the cooperation of local business leaders and government officials.

“All the communities say they are pro-business,” he said. “Unfortunately, too often it’s just a slogan.”

Bill Linville, managing director and partner at Scannell Properties, said the commitment is impressive.

“I said, ‘We have to go down there.’ “We have to go down there and see what’s going on,” he said.

Linville told reporters that the infrastructure investment even before construction of any of the 10 buildings planned in the first phase is about $20 million.

“There aren’t many projects in the country – I don’t think any in the Mobile area – that offer proximity to the port, Class I rail in place; You know, a major park where you have a lot of room to grow; State-of-the-art infrastructure,” he stated.

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