STEVENSON, AL (WAFF) -
New jobs are coming to North Alabama in the Jackson County town of Stevenson.
The workers will make whiskey barrels for Jack Daniels.
The governor campaigned on not taking a paycheck until unemployment figures returned to more normal levels.
Officials with Brown-Forman Cooperage joined Governor Robert Bentley in Stevenson to announce plans to build a multimillion dollar mill in Stevenson.
"Anytime we can come and announce jobs, we're excited about that. Thirty jobs, I mean to this area in Stevenson, is very important," said Governor Bentley.
Officials said the mill will cut trees to form for the production of whiskey barrels used by the company that makes Jack Daniel's whiskey.
So, why Stevenson? Officials say it's the perfect fit.
"You've got to go where the trees are. Obviously, the white oak's down here. There's an active logging community," said Brown-Forman Cooperage vice president, Greg Roshkowski.
But the ground breaking is a rarity for Stevenson. In fact, it's been a very long time since their last one.
"Since 1995. Been a long time. Sixteen years coming," said Mayor Rickey Steele.
Mayor Steele said it gives them something to be thankful for.
"This is huge for us. It's good paying jobs. It shows that the economy may be coming back, especially here in North Alabama," he said.
With 30 more jobs added to the Alabama economy, it also means the governor is one step closer to getting his first paycheck.
"As the unemployment rate drops, that's always exciting. It just shows that everyone is working hard from the locals all the way up to the state," said Governor Bentley.
Officials with the company say they hope the mill will be up and running by May.
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