Miracles do happen. Pilot is one of those miracles that has come our way. After five years of waiting and almost $17 million invested in the site, plus another $4 million in infrastructure, we are getting ready to open the Pilot Travel Center in about six weeks in early to mid-November.
Pilot is a gold standard for travel centers and its impact will affect our communities of Macon County in significant ways.
First and foremost are the new 50 jobs created by the project. Tax revenues to local governments and entities exceed $1.3 million per year of new money flowing to city, county, education and economic development.
Pilot will offer residents 24-hour food and cheaper fuel in a safe and convenient place. It will offer food choices including salads, breakfast and many types of beverages.
The signage at our gateway at Exit 38 is first class and sends a signal that we are open for business. With Loves Travel Center in Shorter and now Pilot in Tuskegee, Macon County will sell more diesel fuel than any community on the I-85 corridor. These fuel sales will generate traffic, taxes and more sales and future surrounding lodging and retail.
Last week, I had a guided tour of the travel center and it if first class. Its spacious restrooms and floors are new tile with privacy stalls for patrons. (Just as nice as Buc-ees) The trucker showers are really bath suites with tile and vanities. The amenities for the truckers will attract drivers and other patrons as well.
Just as Loves has been a catalyst for growth in Shorter at Exit 22, the Pilot at Exit 38 will draw tens of thousands of Interstate travelers off the interstate and into Tuskegee.
Pilot has agreed to allow some kiosks and local branding and sales of our university, Moton Field and many sites to see.
My hope is that the Pilot will expedite a new hotel at the exit and opportunities for more restaurants.
Several years ago, new interstate exit work was done at exits 42, 38 and 26. The northbound onramp at Exit 38 at Pilot will allow truckers and cars alike to an easy off and on experience to Interstate 85 — this further incentivizes travelers to pull off in Tuskegee. Upgrades and resurfacing were done in Shorter as well to accommodate travelers.
Pilot is only one of several milestones occurring now in the county. Soon a new federal grant of $375,000 will be announced for UBT and the county to research and plan rural sewer systems in places like Highway 29 between Tuskegee and the Lee County line.
Winning with new infrastructure sets us up for success like the recent internet fiber deployment countywide and new water lines in Franklin.
Big plans are being made for new water, sewer and power for Shorter and the Tallassee exit at Exit 26. The story of the new 28 megawatt electric substation under construction in Tuskegee Commerce Park also adds to the utility success story.
With the Republic LIFT Academy at Moton Field and Samkee in the Tuskegee Commerce Park, the look and feel of your entry into Tuskegee is a modern testament to years of hard teamwork to change our community for the better.
REAL Park at Wire Road has some serious prospects looking to come to our area. It is being shown and spoken about all over the world.
As a member of the Tuskegee University-Auburn University Committee on Collaboration, I am pleased to share that this collaboration is enhancing both institutions and communities’ ability to work and dream together.
On another note, local son, Thomas (Tommy) Vaughan, son of Tom and Ethel Vaughan and cousin of Roland Vaughan, has been named an adjunct professor in Electrical and Computer Engineering at Tuskegee University in addition to his formal positions at Columbia University of New York.
Tommy will serve in this role at Tuskegee University at no cost to give back to his home community and to Tuskegee University.
Tommy is a world expert and patent holder in MRI technology that powers healthcare solutions around the globe. We look forward to seeing Tommy as he comes home and rein vests in the place he loves.
Planning is ongoing for a potential new access road from Highway 80 in Tuskegee to the campus of Tuskegee University that would give access to Abbott Park and TU athletic facilities. It would also give emergency access to campus for first responders. Stay tuned as this dream takes form.
Almost every week now I entertain investors of all descriptions coming to Macon County looking for investment opportunities and wanting to build apartments, houses, and stores.
We have tipped towards success. It still takes time and patience, but we will not cease striving to make our community even better.
Hope to see you at the Pilot grand opening soon!
