Development Begins to Hit I-22 in Marion County, Ala.

MARION COUNTY, Ala. (WCBI) — Decisions by voters in two West Alabama towns to allow alcohol sales are showing signs of attracting economic development in both communities.

A new Holiday Inn will begin opening next week along Highway 78 in the small town of Guin. The hotel still must pass some inspections before getting its permanent certificate of occupancy.

The hotel’s full-service restaurant will open in early May.

Meanwhile, the Hamilton City Council may spend $350,000 to buy five acres at the Fikes Crossing exit on the highway. A national hotel chain plans to build a 65-room hotel on the site.

Highway 78 already is known as Interstate 22 through those towns.