b34nz.com BEE THREE FO IN ZEE

The sign reads 'Coming Soon.'

But the sign has been here for more than two years now.

The sign is on the land near Interstate 65 and Highway 20 in Limestone County near Decatur. It's supposed to be the future home of the Sweetwater complex. The project was announced back in early 2008, and was to include a Bass Pro Shops, hotel and more. But, months later, the economy tanked, and Sweetwater's momentum slowed. Not much has happened since.

Just across the highway, folks who work at Apple Lane Farms Sandwich Shop wonder if the Sweetwater deal has turned sour. They hope the deal is still on.

"We don't do a lot of advertising so we just try to get as many people in here as we can. We have wonderful sandwiches and it would help our business greatly and ensure job security," says Shaun Woodard.

Woodard says he's probably like a lot of people in north Alabama.

He likes to hunt and fish and that's why he was really excited about the possibility of a Bass Pro Shops store coming to his hometown.

"It would be a nice variety for the Bass fishermen for sure. It would be great to have a variety of different thing to see what the pros fish with," Woodard says.

Woodard says he has a strong message to send to the Decatur City Council.

"Please bring them in. We need the business. The economy is low. It can only boost it and more jobs for the town," says Woodard.

But only if and when Sweetwater calls Decatur home.

Decatur mayor Don Stanford says Sweetwater officials still are interested but Stanford says they are waiting on the economy to improve before construction begins.

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