MONTGOMERY — Gov. Kay Ivey has announced a $373,500 grant to improve infrastructure and provide new jobs in northwest Alabama.
The Shoals Economic Development Authority will use the Appalachian Regional Commission grant to extend water and sewer services to meet the expansion needs of Dura Automotive Systems at the Northwest Alabama Regional Airport Industrial Park. The expansion will enable Dura Automotive to add 30 additional workers to its growing workforce.
In addition, the infrastructure improvement will enable the construction of a 22,500-square-foot hangar at the airport.
“The Shoals, and indeed north Alabama, continues to have great success in growing industry and creating jobs for Alabamians,” Gov. Ivey said. “Overall, Alabama just keeps piling up success story after success story when it comes to the automotive industry, and that is a tribute to local leaders and our capable workforce. I commend Dura Automotive on its growth and look forward its continued success.”
Dura Automotive, which began production at its Muscle Shoals plant in 2022, supplies lightweight aluminum enclosures for electric vehicle batteries produced at the Mercedes Benz battery plant in Bibb County.
The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs administers the ARC program in Alabama.
“The Appalachian Regional Commission has been a vital partner in helping supply the logistics needed for industry to locate and grow in Alabama,” ADECA Director Kenneth Boswell said. “Like Gov. Ivey, I take delight when I see people working together for a common cause to make Alabama a better place to live.”
ARC is an economic development agency of the federal government and 13 state governments. The agency’s mission is to innovate, partner and invest to build community capacity and strengthen economic growth in Appalachia to help the region achieve socioeconomic parity with the nation. Thirty-seven Alabama counties, including Colbert County, are part of the ARC region and eligible for funds.
ADECA manages a range of programs that support law enforcement, economic development, recreation, energy conservation and water resource management.
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Media Contact
Jim Plott or Mike Presley
ADECA Communications and External Affairs
(334) 242-5525
