Amazon Expected to Change Bessemer’s Economy
Bessemer city officials and Amazon have confirmed that the nation’s largest e-commerce company will build a $325 million fulfillment center along I-20/59 near Bessemer City High School. The center is expected to be ready for operation next fall, in time for the Christmas shopping rush, says Bessemer Mayor Kenneth Gulley.
Speaking at a press conference at Bessemer City Hall on Friday, Gulley said, “Obviously, it’s a game changer for the city of Bessemer, because nothing this large has ever been constructed in the city of Bessemer.”
The 855,000-square-feet fulfillment center will employ at least 1,500 people and use Amazon’s robotic technology. Gulley said the project is the largest private business investment in the city’s 131-year history and it’s expected to have a $40 million annual economic impact on Bessemer.
Councilman Jesse Matthews represents the area where the $325 million facility will be built. “It’s gonna be jobs creation, economic development as well,” Matthews said. “I imagine that it’s going to be a lot of spinoffs off of Powder Plant Road.”
News of the project spread quietly for several months, but more details emerged as local governments began approving incentives for Amazon. Earlier this month, the Jefferson County Commission approved $3.3 million in incentives including road improvements around the site.
The Bessemer City Council approved its own incentive package a few days later. That package includes reimbursement to Amazon for some of its capital investment, limiting permit fees to $200,000 and capping the company’s annual business license fee to $5,000. The Council also agreed to help build a transit stop at the facility.
No state incentives have been announced.
Light from satellites will ruin majority of some space telescope images, study says
Astronomers have long been concerned about reflections from satellites showing up in images taken by telescopes and other scientific instruments.
Defense Department is reviewing boat strike video for possible release, Hegseth says
In a speech on Saturday, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth defended the strikes, saying: "President Trump can and will take decisive military action as he sees fit to defend our nation's interests."
Bama, Miami in, Notre Dame out and Indiana No. 1 in College Football Playoff rankings
Nobody paying attention for the past 24 months would be surprised to see Indiana – yes, Indiana – leading the way into this year's College Football Playoff.
McLaren’s Lando Norris wins first F1 title at season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix
Red Bull driver and defending champion Max Verstappen won the race with Norris placing third, which allowed Norris to finish two points ahead of Verstappen in the season-long standings.
A ban on feeding pigeons ruffles lots of feathers in Mumbai
The pigeon population has exploded — a result of people feeding the birds. For some it's a holy duty and a way to connect to nature. Critics point to health risks tied to exposure to pigeon droppings.
UN humanitarian chief: world needs to ‘wake up’ and help stop violence in Sudan
The UN's top humanitarian and emergency relief official has told NPR that the lack of attention from world leaders to the war in Sudan is the "billion dollar question".
