Sain Associates awarded engineering contract for I-22 Industrial Park spec pads

HAMILTON — During the Hamilton City Council meeting on Tuesday, Sept. 2, the council awarded the engineering services contract for the “Growing Alabama Project” to Sain Associates of Birmingham for an estimated budget amount of $67,100.
At the recommendation of C3 of Northwest Alabama Economic Development Alliance, the City of Hamilton is hiring a third-party engineering firm to oversee the project, assist with construction documents and oversight, and help to ensure the project meets all requirements and qualifications, to help with the paperwork and permitting through the State of Alabama, and provide additional engineering services, if needed.
During the council’s Aug. 18 meeting, the council had received a brief update from C3 President and CEO Tom Wisemiller concerning the $1.47 million “Growing Alabama” I-22 Industrial Park spec pads grant.
At that time, the council asked Wisemiller to clarify some of the process, to ensure the city follows all of the requirements and guidelines necessary to obtain the funds.
Then Mayor Bob Page noted this is a new type of grant for Hamilton.
“We’ve never seen this type of grant before,” Page said. “We’re very appreciative, and we want to follow all the rules so nobody tries to reclaim these funds. We want to use those funds in our park. This project is going to be very important and enhance our park.”
The mayor also commended the industrial park board for stepping up  and wanting to have an active role in the process, as well.
Wisemiller noted, “You want to make sure you have all the engineering and legal requirements met. We can be one of your resources to make sure you’re dotting all the i’s and crossing all the t’s.”
Regarding the engineering firm, Sain Associates had created the preliminary grading plan for the project and helped to facilitate the grant application and cost estimates. Officials noted having a third-party engineering firm will also help to keep the project within budget.
City attorney Jeremy Streetman noted the city needs to start on the project by February of 2026.
Also on Sept. 2, the council voted to absorb the Local Government Health Insurance Board’s 4.75 percent increase to its health and dental insurance premiums for the upcoming fiscal year. The city is choosing to absorb the premium increase and not pass it on to the city employees.
After the regular agenda items, Dr. Patrick Sutton, superintendent of the Marion County Schools System, spoke briefly on the Marion County College & Career Academy to be created on the Bevill State Community College-Hamilton campus to allow more students access to multiple career tech opportunities. Sutton noted later the project is still in its early planning stages, with a year to go before any changes at the schools will be implemented.