Infrastructure construction at Linbrook Business Park couldbegin as early as August, project engineers said Monday.

County, city and chamber officials got a good look at the futureof Linbrook Business Park Monday during a briefing by engineerscontracted to design the project.

“This is what we’ve all been excited about and looking forwardto. This is a giant step,” said Mayor Bob Massengill.

The first priority is to establish a well and tank to providewater to the complex, said Nat Whitten of Engineering Associates,Inc. The second is to begin work on roadways and water and sewerlines.

“Later this summer we could possibly see some activity on thehill with the water tank,” he said.

However, plans are to work on both prioritiessimultaneously.

“They would run on parallel tracks,” Whitten said. “This isscheduling in Heaven, which is what engineers do.”

Barring any delays in the bidding or construction process,Whitten estimated supervisors could award bids for the water welland tank by August and on the road and water and sewage lines byOctober.

Should both bids be let on time and construction proceedsmoothly, both projects should be completed in October 2008,Whitten said.

The board was presented Monday with the option of constructing a500,000 gallon tank for $1.1 million or a one million gallon tankfor $1.6 million.

The 500,000 gallon tank would be adequate to supply the parkunder normal circumstances, Whitten said. However, it would proveinadequate should an industry locate in the park that uses a lot ofwater or needs increased fire protection because of itsproduct.

The alliance readily agreed to install a one million gallontank.

“This will give us more options later and could help to attractother industries,” said Chancery Clerk Tillmon Bishop.

The elevated tank will be visible from Interstate 55 and shouldhelp drivers identify the park’s location, Whitten said.

Sewer and water lines for the 460-acre business park will tieinto existing lines near Johnny Johnson Drive, Whitten said.

Saints Trail Drive will serve as the main entrance to the park,Whitten said. Plans initially called for immediate improvements tothe road, but further review has shown it will serve adequatelythrough at least the initial stages.

Eventually, Whitten said, the entrance will be reworked into aboulevard-style intersection with a large sign.

The county and city have each let $2.2 million in bonds to fundthe purchase of the property and install the infrastructure. TheBrookhaven-Lincoln County Chamber of Commerce has contributed$500,000 to the project.

In addition, the Linbrook Alliance has secured a $1.1 milliongrant through the Economic Development Administration.

“We’re happy to be a part of this project and happy to see youworking together,” said Asa Williams, a representative fromEDA.

The cooperation among officials in support of the project wasone of the primary factors the grant was awarded, he said.

Cliff Brumfield, executive director of the chamber, saidinterest in the park among industrial prospects has been high, butthe lack of infrastructure has hampered efforts.

“I’ve had a few tell me if the infrastructure was in they wouldlook no further,” he said. “I think we will see more interest indue time as improvements move forward.”