Press Release

U.S. Department of Commerce Invests to Provide Critical Rail Infrastructure to Serve Industrial Site in Huntsville, Alabama

WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross announced that the Department’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) is awarding $4.1 million grant to the city of Huntsville, Alabama, to help construct a bridge to serve a major automotive manufacturer and provide opportunities for further industrial and commercial development adjacent to the site. This grant will be matched with $4.1 million in local funds, is expected to help create 320 jobs and generate $128 million in private investment.

“President Trump has stressed the importance of U.S. manufacturing since day one and has repeatedly emphasized the importance of the U.S. auto industry,” said Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross. “This bridge will help provide Huntsville’s thriving auto manufacturing industry with the critical infrastructure needed to ensure its future success.”

“EDA’s recent announcement is excellent news for Alabama’s automotive industry,” said Senator Shelby. “The $4.1 million grant will continue to boost economic development and improve rail infrastructure throughout North Alabama. I am grateful that the Department of Commerce and EDA continue to invest in our state, bringing jobs and long term economic benefits to the region.”

“Reliable infrastructure is crucial to Alabama’s economic success,” said Senator Doug Jones. “This grant will be welcome news for the Huntsville community as it prepares for the arrival of our state’s newest state-of-the-art auto manufacturing facility. Investments like these are critical to Alabama as we continue to grow and attract new businesses.”

The bridge is needed to accommodate increased commercial vehicle traffic due to the automotive manufacturer’s presence. This project was made possible by the regional planning efforts led by the Top of Alabama Regional Council of Governments. EDA funds the Top of Alabama Regional Council of Governments to help bring together the public and private sectors to create an economic development roadmap to strengthen the regional economy, support private capital investment, and create jobs.

About the U.S. Economic Development Administration (www.eda.gov)
The mission of the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) is to lead the federal economic development agenda by promoting competitiveness and preparing the nation's regions for growth and success in the worldwide economy. An agency within the U.S. Department of Commerce, EDA makes investments in economically distressed communities in order to create jobs for U.S. workers, promote American innovation, and accelerate long-term sustainable economic growth.