Pemco's Out--Are New Companies Coming In?
By: Megan Hunter
Updated: November 13, 2012
It's been a long road for the Dothan Regional Airport as it tries to find a company to replace Pemco, but it could soon be over.
There are three companies seriously considering the space--but no offers yet.
According to members of the airport authority, Pemco moved out of the space they were leasing on October 31st.
"It's much easier to show the facility to prospects now," said Art Morris, the director of the airport. "It's easier to see the potential of the facility without a lot of stuff being in there."
But after months of searching and negotiating, there's been a hiccup in bringing a new company in.
"The prospects we are talking to are extremely interested in us, but are not ready to make the commitment or sign the bottom line just yet," said Morris.
Three companies are looking into the space once occupied by Pemco, and the airport expects two of the three companies considering the space to move in.
"Nothing has been signed or inked yet, so there is not a done deal yet. We are still talking and negotiating and trying to work things out, so obviously those parties are trying to work things out. We are progressing."
Morris also said the passage of "Amendment 2" could be the tipping point for one of those companies.
He said the state incentives created by that amendment could prompt a company to commit to coming to Alabama and staying here.
