Investment in Alabama Doubled in 2015, Report Finds
A report out today, April 22, shows Alabama attracted more than $7 billion in investments and added nearly 20,000 new jobs last year.
Governor Robert Bentley and the Alabama Department of Commerce released the 2015 New Expanding Industry Report, which tracks economic development across the state.
Companies planning new facilities or expanding in the state last year totaled $7.1 billion in investments, double the amount in 2014, according to the report.
The report also finds that Tuscaloosa County was first for capital investments totaling more than $1.5 billion, attributed mostly to a large-scale expansion of the Mercedes- Benz plant. Limestone County was first for job growth, adding 2,618 jobs. This was due in part to Polaris’ $140 million manufacturing facility.
Greg Canfield, Secretary of the Alabama Department of Commerce, said the 2015 economic development report reflects several significant trends taking place in the state’s economy. These include accelerating expansion in the aerospace sector linked to the production start-up at Airbus’ new Mobile manufacturing facility, and continued robust growth in the automotive industry.
Behind Tuscaloosa, the top counties for project-related capital investment in 2015 were:
- Jefferson ($900 million)
- Jackson ($686 million)
- Mobile ($505 million)
- Limestone ($471 million)
Trailing Limestone, the top counties for new and future jobs tied to 2015 projects were:
- Jefferson (2,464)
- Montgomery (1,268)
- Madison (1,226)
- Tuscaloosa (1,032)
Venezuela: Maduro’s enforcer Cabello still central to power
The ousting of Venezuela's president raised hopes of change — but the politician now controlling the streets shows how little has really shifted.
Amid ICE clashes, New Hampshire bishop urges clergy to prepare their wills
The Episcopal bishop of New Hampshire told priests protesting ICE to get their wills and affairs in order. Some praise the bishop, while other priests say they never signed up to be martyrs.
New York Giants hire John Harbaugh as coach after identifying him as their top choice
Harbaugh joins the Giants 11 days after he was fired by the Baltimore Ravens. The Super Bowl champion is now tasked with turning around a beleaguered franchise.
US launches new retaliatory strike in Syria, killing leader tied to deadly Islamic State ambush
A third round of retaliatory strikes by the U.S. in Syria has resulted in the death of an Al-Qaeda-affiliated leader, said U.S. Central Command.
NASA rolls out Artemis II craft ahead of crewed lunar orbit
Mission Artemis plans to send Americans to the moon for the first time since the Nixon administration.
Trump says 8 EU countries to be charged 10% tariff for opposing US control of Greenland
In a post on social media, Trump said a 10% tariff will take effect on Feb. 1, and will climb to 25% on June 1 if a deal is not in place for the United States to purchase Greenland.
