It is what Gov. Bob Riley called an economic project that comes along once in a generation.ThyssenKrupp announced Friday that it will invest nearly $4 billion in a facility to be located in north Mobile County.

According to the vice chairman and chief financial officer of ThyssenKrupp, the facility represents the largest investment in the history of the company’s stainless division.

So, what does this mean for Central Alabama? More specifically, what will this mean for Dallas County?

According to Wayne Vardaman, executive director of the Selma-Dallas County Economic Development Authority, any time that much money is invested, other regions

of the state will benefit. First or second tier suppliers are a possibility for our area. The project will also employee construction workers, and companies will be needed to supply materials.

Wilcox County will also benefit since some residents live close enough to commute to the site.

The economic picture of our state is looking brighter and this announcement is a highlight.