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 EDPA Partner.
A group of businesses and organizations statewide have joined forces to form the Alabama Brownfields Association, saying the new non-profit can be one avenue for economic revitalization statewide.
Brownfields are defined as previously used and environmentally contaminated industrial or commercial sites with the potential for reuse if cleaned up. Organizers cite the economic impact statewide of previous brownfield sites, such as Birmingham's Lyric Theater and Railroad Park, as well as Riverwalk Stadium in Montgomery.
Organizers say the ALBFA will promote economic revitalization, land reuse, conservation, restoration, remediation, financial and regulatory incentives, legislative advocacy and education. It is being modeled on the Georgia Brownfield Association, formed in 2011.
The latter has helped it land a number of aerospace projects - most notably the first U.S. Airbus assembly plant. The former was instrumental in Mobile's most recent big announcement - a $135 million Walmart import distribution facility.
Seven Huntsville companies are among 55 selected to provide professional services to the U.S. Army, according to a contract announcement from the Pentagon.
They are as follows; Teledyne Brown Engineering Inc., Aranea Solutions Inc., Intuitive Research and Technology Corp., Radiance Technologies Inc., Sigmatech Inc., Systems Products and Solutions Inc., and Torch Technologies.
According to the announcement, the companies will provide "knowledge-based professional services for programs with command, control, communications, computers, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance related requirements."