The City of Ocala is paving the way for industries. Tuesday, City Officials held a groundbreaking ceremony on a multi-million dollar project set to attract big industry to the area.
City officials said the extension of S.W. 67th Avenue is key for industrial growth.
"We've had Cisco, we've had Walmart, you know, in the past years come looking for places in Marion County, in the City of Ocala and simply hadn't had any places to put them," Ocala City Council President, Daniel Owen said.
Officials said the $3.5 million dollar road project will allow access into 400 acres of industrial land within the Ocala Business Park. An additional 300 acres included in the park are also designated for industrial growth.
Located near the Ocala International Airport, State Representative Dennis Baxley said Ocala could become an international distribution hub.
"We are just grateful and happy to see things moving and happening," Baxley said. "We're not just talking about change, we're just preparing, we're seeing action."
The industrial road project was a collaborative effort. The City provided the funds, while Marion County donated a parcel of land.
The 67th Avenue extension is expected to be completed in November, 2011.