By Scott Mims

Jemison city leaders are hoping to shed some light on a major economic opportunity — literally.
Lights are being installed along I-65 Exit 219. The city was awarded $1 million in federal funding for the project.
Jemison Mayor Eddie Reed said businesses are already showing interest in locating to the interchange.
“We are glad to see it done,” Reed said. “Since the lighting has gone up, we have already had one business to commit, and a second business will possibly locate there.”
Even though Reed said he could not comment on the specific businesses, he said lighting is a major incentive for companies looking to relocate or expand.
Construction on the project began June 24 and has about 50 days remaining.
Keith Hoggle, assistant construction engineer with the Alabama Department of Transportation’s Fifth Division, said the lights should be working soon.
“In approximately 40 days we expect some if not all of the lights to be tested,” Hoggle said.
The project ended up costing $899,857 and was awarded to Stone Electric Company, Inc. in Birmingham.
Reed said the money awarded to the city could only be used for the lighting.
He thanked Congressman Spencer Bachus for his efforts in securing the funding.
“Our exit was the only exit between Birmingham and Montgomery without lighting,” Reed added.
The city is also extending a sewer line out County Road 42 East for future businesses in the area.

By The North Chilton Advertiser staff

Significant growth has long been expected for Jemison, and hints of it have been seen.
Picture the people, subdivisions, parking lots and shopping centers—but most importantly money and economic opportunity—creeping down Interstate 65 from Birmingham. Had the growth arrived at night, however, it might have passed Jemison right on by because the city’s Interstate exit is the only one between Birmingham and Montgomery that is not lighted. That is no longer a concern because a project to erect lights at Exit 219 is underway and should be completed in in the next couple of months.
“Since the lighting has gone up, we have already had one business to commit, and a second business will possibly locate there,” Jemison Mayor Eddie Reed said.
Jemison’s Interstate exit must become a bigger asset in order for the city to grow, and the lighting, which cost $899,857 and is being paid for by a state grant, is a major step in the right direction.