Athens Gas Department Manager Steve Carter, right, and Athens Mayor Ronnie Marks discuss the benefits of a new compressed natural gas-powered Honda Civic at Leak City in Athens in May 2012. The Athens City Council recently decided to rename the Leak City classroom building as The Steve Carter Training Facility at Leak City as a tribute to Carter's efforts.

The Athens City Council recently voted to name part of the Leak City training facility after the man who founded it and named it — Gas Department Director Steve Carter.

The honor, which came as a surprise to Carter, was announced during the council’s Aug. 27 meeting. Just as surprising is how popular the facility has become since being established in 2005.

For those who have never heard of Leak City, it has become one of the busiest training sites for natural gas workers in the state and nation. Located at 807 E. Sanderfer Road in Athens, it trains an average of 2,500 gas workers each year.

Its unique name is also a registered trademark.

“I was in Florida visiting some relatives and I saw a sign for Lake City, Florida,” Carter said. “I said, ‘That’s it. Leak City.’”

The initial idea for the facility was to train only Athens Utilities workers on gas safety measures.

“We had to go through some qualifications. I had been on several federal pipeline committees and knew we needed a place to train,” he said. “It was built for our people, but I thought we needed to open it up.”

He drew his idea on a piece of paper and handed it off to an architect. When it first opened, it had two classrooms on 2.5 acres. It now encompasses 37 acres, boasts eight classrooms and will be known as The Steve Carter Training Facility at Leak City.

“It’s a great honor and I appreciate the recognition,” he said. “I just appreciate the support of the Alabama Natural Gas Association and my staff; I can’t say enough about them.”

In addition to training natural gas employees from all over the country, Carter also hosts the Athens Police Department’s simulator as well as a training tower used by Athens Fire & Rescue Service.

“Leak City provides essential training for not only our gas operators, but also operators and responders from across the United States,” Athens Mayor Ronnie Marks said. “When Leak City hosts conferences, our hotels, restaurants and other businesses benefit because participants are staying in Athens.”

Leak City hosted a fall workshop last week attended by about 300 people.

“I had somebody call me trying to get a room, but they were all booked up,” Carter said.

In December, Carter will celebrate 43 years as a city of Athens employee. He hopes the mission of Leak City will live on after he’s gone.

“I guess (Leak City) being recognized nationally has put a spotlight on Athens, and I’m appreciative to the mayor and council,” he said. “If I could leave a legacy, I guess that would be it for me.”

To find out more about Leak City, visit www.leakcityathens.com.