Dothan breaks ground on Wiregrass Innovation Center as state pledges $20 million

Walter Hill, chief executive officer of Wiregrass United Way and chair of the Dothan Area Chamber of Commerce board, opened Monday’s groundbreaking for the Wiregrass Innovation Center and framed the project as a long-term investment in the Wiregrass Region. "Twenty years from today, we will look back and say that Monday, 05/06/2024 is the moment that Dothan, Alabama and the entire Wiregrass Region took a step forward into a new economy," Hill said.

Mayor Mark Saliba said the city and state worked together to secure $20,000,000 for the center. "We worked with the Alabama legislature to secure $20,000,000," Saliba said, and he thanked the governor, the Wiregrass legislative delegation and city finance staff for their support.

The mayor described the center as a 45,000-square-foot facility in downtown Dothan for research, education and entrepreneurship that will host students, businesses and researchers. He announced that two companies plan to locate in the center: Veil Genomics, founded by HudsonAlpha faculty members Josh Clavanger and Alec Harkas, which Saliba said will focus on more precise genetic testing and screening; and Cytotek, founded by Blair Blacher, described as a producer of a natural biostimulant for sustainable agriculture.

Saliba also said an area in and around the new center will be designated the George Washington Carver Research Campus, a naming he said honors Carver’s contributions to agriculture and education and will serve as inspiration for the center’s work.

State Representative Paul Lee, who introduced Governor Kay Ivey at the event, and House Speaker Ledbetter each praised the project’s economic and educational potential and thanked the local and state leaders who helped secure funding. "This innovation center fits economic development, improve in our education, and innovation in our state," Lee said.

Governor Kay Ivey described the center as a statewide resource and predicted it would be a national leader in ag tech. "By 2025…we'll hold a facility that I am confident will be one of the top ag tech centers in the nation," Ivey said, and she said she looks forward to returning for the ribbon cutting next year.

Troy Fountain, president of the Wiregrass Foundation, and Dothan Commissioner Aristotle Kirkland also offered remarks praising the regional partnership and the anticipated benefits for students and entrepreneurs.

Organizers concluded the program with a ceremonial shovel ceremony outside the tent, where officials and partners completed the official groundbreaking.

What happens next: officials said the facility is planned to open in 2025 and that the city, HudsonAlpha and partners will continue work to attract tenants and develop programs for students and researchers. Specific lease terms, tenant move-in dates and detailed funding allocations beyond the announced $20,000,000 were "not specified" at the event.