Space Command could boost region’s economy
FLORENCE—Northwest Alabama officials said the Sept. 3 announcement that the U.S. Space Command will be moved to Huntsville could boost local economies in several adjacent counties.
President Donald Trump made the announcement, which is a reversal of a Joe Biden-era decision to keep the command at its temporary headquarters in Colorado.
The announcement comes at a time when U.S. defense officials are showing interest in the Barton Riverfront Industrial Park, and months after the Shoals Economic Development Authority completed a 27,000 square-foot hangar at Northwest Alabama Regional Airport with the goal of attracting aerospace prospects.
Shoals EDA President Kevin Jackson said aerospace industry growth is one of the agency’s major platforms.
“It hope this is going to be good for north Alabama,” he said. “I’m excited to hear that it’s happening.”
AE Industrial Partners and its affiliate Rocket Shoals LLC in January 2024 acquired the former FreightCar America plant at Barton. The plant has been idle since FreightCar abandoned it in January 2021.
Company officials said they are marketing it as an “aerospace center of excellence.”
Jackson is limited on what he can publicly say about prospects but confirmed Tuesday: “There is defense-related interest in Barton.”
He commended Alabama’s congressional delegation — U.S. senators Katie Britt and Tommy Tuberville and U.S. representatives Robert Aderholt and Dale Strong — for their part in convincing Trump to move Space Command.
“The Alabama delegation pushed this thing through,” Jackson said. “We’re fortunate in this administration to have those people in those positions.”
State Rep. Kerry Underwood, R-Tuscumbia, said Space Command will bring some 1,600 jobs to Huntsville and create numerous jobs through spinoff industries, and the Shoals is an ideal fit.
“We’re all going to be better for this and I’m glad it’s relocated back to the place it started,” he said. “The timing couldn’t be better. Everything seems to be working out just like it’s supposed to. We’re positioned, that’s for sure.”
State Sen. Tim Melson, R-Florence, said he hopes this is the final move for Space Command.
“The potential is tremendous,” he said. “I just got hope Congress doesn’t allow them to fight over it and move it again. I hope they don’t continue to play political chess with it. We definitely need to do something to keep jobs here. So many people continue to move out of the area because the jobs are not available.”
In April 2022, the Shoals EDA Board approved a $5.2 million contract with Birmingham firm Dunn Construction to build the airport hangar, which has capacity to support aircraft as large as a Boeing 737-800.
Jackson said hangar space was becoming a premium in Huntsville, which is rich with military projects and contracts.
He said the Shoals could become a good spot for companies needing space, including defense contractors.
Strong released a statement Tuesday in response to the Space Command announcement thanking Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.
“North Alabama has long been the linchpin of defending our interests at home and abroad, and we are prepared to now do our part in defending American interests in space,” Strong said. “It’s been rewarding to play a role in every step of this process and to ensure that Space Command’s Headquarters rightfully resides in the most capable and best-equipped community — which has been proven time and again to be Redstone Arsenal.
“I want to thank President Trump and Secretary Hegseth for their commitment to doing what is best for the security and future of our nation, and I remain grateful for the unified support of the entire Alabama delegation along the way. I am excited for all that is to come, and now — it’s time to move dirt.”
Aderholt lauded the area’s accomplishments in the space industry.
“North Alabama has a proud history in space exploration, rocketry, and the aerospace industry,” he said in a statement. “Combined with the area’s growth in defense innovation and manufacturing, it’s the most qualified and appropriate location. North Alabama is ready for the transition, and the benefits will be felt across the entire country,” Rep. Aderholt added.
Gov. Kay Ivey’s office released a statement that also commended the state’s place in the space program and thanking U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers of Alabama, who is chairman of the House Armed Service Committee.
“As our history shows, Alabama always stands ready to support the defense of our great nation, and Huntsville continues proving the Rocket City is truly ‘Space Central,’” she said.
