ATHENS, Ala. — Limestone County is one of the fastest growing counties in the state of Alabama. Earlier Thursday, Limestone County Commission Chairman Collin Daly shared a county update with the 2024 State of the County. "You know, it's always great to highlight your county. We've got a great economic team running. We've created 260 jobs, you know, $97 million worth of investment," he explained.
Athens State University President Dr. Catherine Wehlburg shared how it's positively impacting their institution. "Our enrollment for fall semester is up over 7%, and our new student numbers are up over 20%. and this does not happen by accident."
Chairman Daly said witnessing such continuous growth is a major benefit. But with that also leaves just one thing to worry about. "Quality of life. You know, I mean, that's one of the things that, you know, you know, to get a workforce here, you got to have think for people for things to do." One step being taken to further improve that quality of life starts with a special trail in the area. "We have a lot of people to use Richard Martin Trail, but it doesn't really have a handicap accessible area on it. If everything goes through and we're going to pave it and make it handicap accessible."
Limestone County has also received a $600,000 grant towards recycling. "We're working right now, with Martin and Cobey. We've been working through it to try to get a building built for recycling at some part of the things we're working on." Another area the county commission is working to improve quality of life in is parks and recreation. "We have kind of not really done a lot of arks and Rec stuff, but as the growth has come in, we know we're going to have to. So that's one of the things we are working on. At the end of the day, we work hard to make this community a better place to work, live and play."