Chilton County has been selected as the site of the proposed Alabama Farm Center.

The multi-use facility could bring as many as 400 jobs and as much as $55 million in annual economic impact, organizers say. The center will be located off Interstate 65 between Alabama 145 and County Road 43. Its projected cost is $100 million to $150 million. 

The Chilton County Industrial Development Board announced the move Tuesday, with a 500-acre parcel owned by the City of Clanton and Chilton County chosen for the site.

Plans for the center call for a 5,000-seat air conditioned arena, 150,000-square-foot exhibition building, 400-stall horse barn, 400 RV hookups, barns and arenas. The center could play host to livestock shows, rodeos, dog shows, festivals and other events. Together, these events could bring about 800,000 to the area every year, planners said.

The Alabama Farmers Agriculture Foundation began exploring the economic feasibility of a large, multi-function event facility about two years ago.

“Chilton County’s central location, proximity to large cities and access to I-65 make this site ideal for the Alabama Farm Center,” Foundation President Jimmy Parnell said.

Source: "Chilton County gets $100 million Alabama Farm Center" AL.com (February, 28 2019) William Thornton