May 1 , 2008
OPEN HOUSE OFFERS FACTS ABOUT ALABAMA MOTORSPORTS PARK AND ITS MITIGATION EFFORTS

MOBILE, AL – Officials with Gulf Coast Entertainment, L.L.C (GCE), the investor group proposing to build Alabama Motorsports Park, A Dale Earnhardt Jr. Speedway, held an open house at the Dwight L. Harrigan Forest Learning Center Tuesday, April 22 on campus at the University of Mobile.  A contingent of race fans, community leaders, realtors and interested citizens attended the informal, three-hour event, seeking information about the project and how it will affect the surrounding areas. 

The public event offered information provided by Thompson Engineering as it relates to specific interests voiced during the official public comment period last June after Gulf Coast Entertainment, L.L.C. applied for its permit to the Army Corps of Engineers.

Information was given about five specific points of interest that were voiced during the comment period and GCE used the open house to explain what it has done to mitigate the effects of the current site plan.

Key Notes and Figures

• Original site plan would have had a direct effect on 177 acres of wetlands; updated site plan as submitted for permitting last May only affects 77 acres, resulting in 89% of the wetland acreage onsite being preserved. 
• A buffer of wetlands, averaging over 1,000-feet wide (200 at its narrowest point) will separate the development from Chickasaw Creek.
• Gopher Tortoises on the property will be relocated to a remote, control-burn-enhanced preserve.
• Normal sound levels reaching residential areas around the track will be below the level acceptable under normal land-use planning guidelines. (65db)
• Traffic study indicates that existing roadway capacity is sufficient for anticipated daily flow; traffic for most races is expected to be no greater than that of a high school football game.

Informational One-Sheeters Given To Public At Open House

Graphics On Display At Open House
Wetlands
Water Quality
Fish and Wildlife
Traffic
Noise

About Alabama Motorsports Park
Alabama Motorsports Park, A Dale Earnhardt Jr. Speedway is a property of Gulf Coast Entertainment, L.L.C.  The entertainment complex will feature three racing venues which will accommodate many forms of racing on its oval, road course and karting facilities.  In addition, the project will include commercial enterprises including residential, hospitality, retail, restaurants and location based entertainment.  Located in Mobile County, the complex is expected to be fully operational in 2010.