The Daphne Innovation and Science Complex (DISC) project is continuing to move forward after it was recently announced the project would receive a federal grant for $846,583.

The grant was awarded by the Economic Development Administration (EDA), an agency under the U.S. Department of Commerce.

City officials said the grant will be paired with matching dollars from local funding sources and be used to develop infrastructure near the project, including water lines, sewer, drainage and new streets.

In an announcement from his office, Congressman Bradley Byrne said he was glad to see federal dollars coming into Baldwin County to help with economic development.

“I am pleased to see yet another federal grant being award to help boost economic development in Southwest Alabama,” Byrne said. “The DISC project is an important tool to help spur growth in the technology and science industry on Alabama’s Gulf Coast. I am committed to continuing to assist with this project as it moves forward.”

Daphne Mayor Dane Haygood said the grant application process had taken some time and effort, but added he was glad the result was positive for the city.

“We’re very pleased with how this turned out,” Haygood said. “We’re glad to have that help in moving this project forward to try to bring more high-paying jobs right here to Daphne.”

The almost 30-acre DISC development is located near Alabama Highway 181 and Champions Way. City officials said they predict around $5 million in investment from private commitments to help bring the project to its fullest realities.

“Now that we’ve received this grant, we’re reaching out to companies interested in this property to talk about moving forward with plans,” Haygood said.

Haygood said Class A office space, like the type planned for the DISC project, is a rare commodity in Baldwin County and could attract many businesses looking to expand their footprint into the Gulf Coast region.