Here is today's summary of economic development news, a free service of the Economic Development Partnership of Alabama, representing Alabama's private sector investment in economic development. If you enjoy NewsFlash, thank an
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The
Jefferson County Commission voted last week to rezone land in the existing Jefferson Metropolitan Park in McCalla that could bring thousands of additional jobs to the Birmingham metro area and have a substantial impact on economic development in the region.
The commission unanimously approved rezoning of about 410 acres to industrial from agriculture on property purchased by the
Jefferson County Economic and Industrial Development Authority (JCEIDA). The rezoning includes another 230 acres that will be acquired by the JCEIDA by the end of the month. The authority began buying the land in July.
"Based on projects in the queue, I would project another 5,000 citizens will be employed at the park in the future," said Commissioner David Carrington, chair of the county's Finance, Information Technology and Business Development committee. "Whenever I look at a parcel of developable property, I don't see land; I see jobs."
HUNTSVILLE, AL (WAFF) - "Alabama is a land of bountiful natural beauty, and our state and local trails are a means to experience and enjoy that outdoor splendor," Governor Ivey said. "I am pleased to award these grants, and I encourage everyone to enjoy these and any of the many other trails in our state."
The grants were awarded from funds made available to the state from the Federal Highway Administration's Recreational Trails Program. The
Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs administers the program in Alabama.
"Trails come in many forms and magnitudes, but they provide character and so much more to our communities," ADECA Director Kenneth Boswell said. "I join with Gov. Ivey in commending those who work so diligently to make these recreational outlets available for all to enjoy."
Auburn University researchers are leading a $2 million U.S. Department of Energy project that is intended to improve fuel efficiency and fuel economy.
The project is intended to create a bio-based fuel additive that can be blended with diesel fuel to reduce soot and greenhouse gas emissions and yield cleaner engine operations in cold-weather conditions.
Auburn will be collaborating with researches at the University of Alabama, Cornell University and Virginia Tech. Corporate partners are Microvi Biotech Inc. and EcoEngineers.
HOUSTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct 17, 2018--Epic Alabama Shipyard, LLC ("Epic") is honored to announce it has purchased BAE Systems Southeast Shipyards Alabama LLC and all of its related shipyard facilities in Mobile, Alabama. Epic will provide ship repair and maintenance services to its customers, utilizing the existing facilities and dry docks, including the Alabama Dry Dock, which is one of the largest in the Gulf of Mexico. Epic is owned by Epic Companies, LLC, a Houston, Texas based global offshore construction and decommissioning company, which will service vessels from its own fleet in Mobile.
Epic is also exploring opportunities to fabricate offshore structures and newbuild barges/small vessels in Mobile. Epic executive Rob Gilbert noted, "Mobile is perfectly situated to support the maritime and energy sector, both in the Gulf of Mexico and throughout the Caribbean." Epic will work closely with the City of Mobile and the State of Alabama in developing a local workforce as its operations grow.