Marina opening will bring jobs to area

ELBERTA, Ala. - A $20M marina in Baldwin County in set to open this May. Barber Marina is located in the Josephine Community, just outside the Elberta city limits on the Intercoastal Waterway.

The 20-acre site contains space for a retail store, 160 wet boat slips, 350 spaces for dry storage, and a boat yard that is still under construction.

But that's not all, there will soon be space for restaurant use.

Marina manager Lee Harmon said construction began just after Hurricane Ivan, nearly five years ago when the economy was in decent shape.

Unlike so many other projects, this one hasn't been delayed by the recession. "We are kinda committed right now, there is no turning back, so we are just gonna do what we do," said Harmon.

Harmon still anticipates a successful grand opening set for the beginning of May.

"It's off season right now. Summer is coming around, so hopefully things will pick up for us soon."

The property is located just off Highway 42 in Baldwin County. While driving to the actual marina, the owners put up something a little out of the ordinary. Dinosaurs!

"The dinosaurs, everyone has been inquiring about that."

So why will you see dinosaur sculptures on the way to the Marina? "The owner likes to generate conversation and that's a very good way to do it."

Managers are confident that conversation will include a successful launch for the project.

The marina will employ about 50 people when it opens.