A $2 million appropriation pursed from the Alabama Legislature to help with the recruitment of thousands of high-tech workers moving to Redstone Arsenal as part of BRAC has been trimmed to $750,000, Sen. Parker Griffith, D-Huntsville, said today.
The financing is attached to the state’s $2.01 billion general fund that was given final passage by lawmakers on May 6, and is awaiting Gov. Bob Riley’s approval.
Senator Griffith said that he will have an audience with Huntsville civic and community leaders to develop a strategy in which North Alabama cities can assist in making up the difference.
“This is a regional project,” he said. “We need to get regional cooperation.”
Griffith said he hoped north Alabama cities, such as Athens, Decatur, Florence, Hartselle and Scottsboro would partner with Huntsville and Madison County in raising the additional money needed for this aspect of BRAC venture.
A 2005 decision by the federal Base Realignment and Closure Commission will move three major Army command headquarters, most of the Missile Defense Agency, and helicopter work to Redstone Arsenal from areas primarily around Washington, D.C. The commands go to Redstone by 2011, with most of the jobs and people transferring between 2009 and 2011.
What do you think about this BRAC story? Do you think that some of the high-tech companies in Huntsville and the surrounding areas could come up witht the money?
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