Featured Stories
Shapiro Administration Reduces Emergency Waitlist for ID/A Services by More Than 2,700 Individuals in Unprecedented Commitment to Serving Pennsylvanians With Intellectual Disabilities and Autism
HARRISBURG, Pennsylvania, Oct. 31 -- The Pennsylvania Department of Human Services issued the following news:
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Shapiro Administration Reduces Emergency Waitlist for ID/A Services by More Than 2,700 Individuals in Unprecedented Commitment to Serving Pennsylvanians with Intellectual Disabilities and Autism
October 30, 2026
The Shapiro Administration's multi-year growth strategy has resulted in more than 42,000 Pennsylvanians - the highest number ever - receiving services in their home or community.
In his second budget, Governor Josh Shapiro secured an historic $354.8 million for ID/A services
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HARRISBURG, Pennsylvania, Oct. 31 -- The Pennsylvania Department of Human Services issued the following news:
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Shapiro Administration Reduces Emergency Waitlist for ID/A Services by More Than 2,700 Individuals in Unprecedented Commitment to Serving Pennsylvanians with Intellectual Disabilities and Autism
October 30, 2026
The Shapiro Administration's multi-year growth strategy has resulted in more than 42,000 Pennsylvanians - the highest number ever - receiving services in their home or community.
In his second budget, Governor Josh Shapiro secured an historic $354.8 million for ID/A servicesto raise rates for service providers and wages for workers who care for Pennsylvanians with ID/A, dramatically reducing job vacancies.
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Harrisburg, PA - The Shapiro Administration today announced that the emergency waiting list for intellectual disabilities and autism (ID/A) waiver services has been reduced by 2,742 individuals - or 40 percent, down from 4,592 individuals- since February 2024. Additionally, five counties - Clarion, Forest, Lawrence, Potter, and Warren - have eliminated their emergency waitlist altogether.
"When we reduce and eliminate the emergency waitlist for adults with intellectual disabilities and autism, it means they are receiving the critical services they need when they need them," said Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (PA DHS) Secretary Dr. Val Arkoosh. "Thanks to the ongoing support of Governor Shapiro and of county administrators, we have been able to reduce the waitlist for services by an unprecedented amount, and our work will continue."
PA DHS works every day to help Pennsylvanians with intellectual disabilities and/or autism access vital supports and services they need to live safely and independently, pursue education and job opportunities, and participate in the Everyday Lives they deserve. However, many of these individuals have had to wait to receive services due to limited capacity and funding. To address this, Governor Josh Shapiro launched a Multi-Year Program Growth Strategy for Pennsylvania to completely eliminate the emergency waiting list for services for adults with intellectual disabilities and autism. Now, more than 42,000 Pennsylvanians with intellectual disabilities and/or autism currently receive services in their home and community.
An essential part of this strategy includes targeted investments in the direct support professionals (DSPs) who serve the ID/A community. In his 2024-25 budget, Governor Shapiro secured an historic $354.8 million in state and federal funding for ID/A services to raise rates for service providers and DSP wages and to begin to clear the emergency waiting list for adults seeking ID/A waiver services. Investments in service rates enabled providers to increase wages and support recruitment efforts, reducing the job vacancy rate for DSPs.
The Governor has continued these investments ever since - his 2026-27 budget built on this historic progress by maintaining funding for DSP wages to support those who provide services to adults with disabilities.
Since taking office, Governor Shapiro has been laser focused on ensuring that Pennsylvanians with disabilities have the resources to succeed and thrive on their own terms. In April 2026, the Governor signed three Executive Orders expanding protections for Pennsylvanians with disabilities and autism and creating a new Governor's Advisory Commission on People with Disabilities.
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Original text here: https://www.pa.gov/agencies/dhs/newsroom/shapiro-admin-reduces-emergency-waitlist-for-id-a-services-
Shapiro Administration Investments in Structured Literacy are Strengthening Early Reading Instruction for Students in the Lehigh Valley
HARRISBURG, Pennsylvania, Oct. 31 -- The Pennsylvania Department of Education issued the following news:
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Shapiro Administration Investments in Structured Literacy are Strengthening Early Reading Instruction for Students in the Lehigh Valley
The Shapiro Administration recently announced $10 million in grant funding awarded to 54 schools in 21 counties to implement structured literacy curriculum in their classrooms.
The Northern Lehigh School District was awarded more than $320,000 in structured literacy grant funding to strengthen early reading instruction at Peter's Elementary School
... Show Full Article
HARRISBURG, Pennsylvania, Oct. 31 -- The Pennsylvania Department of Education issued the following news:
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Shapiro Administration Investments in Structured Literacy are Strengthening Early Reading Instruction for Students in the Lehigh Valley
The Shapiro Administration recently announced $10 million in grant funding awarded to 54 schools in 21 counties to implement structured literacy curriculum in their classrooms.
The Northern Lehigh School District was awarded more than $320,000 in structured literacy grant funding to strengthen early reading instruction at Peter's Elementary Schooland Slatington Elementary School.
October 30, 2026
Slatington, PA - Today, Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) Secretary Dr. Carrie Rowe visited 2nd grade students at Peter's Elementary School in the Northern Lehigh School District to highlight the importance of incorporating high-quality reading programs in classrooms. Earlier this month, the Shapiro Administration awarded Northern Lehigh School District more than $320,000 in structured literacy grant funding to strengthen early reading instruction at Peter's Elementary School and Slatington Elementary School.
"Helping students to access appropriate reading materials and support at a young age helps to shape their entire education journey," said Dr. Rowe. "PDE is excited to support schools across the Commonwealth in implementing more structured literacy teaching practices to make sure our learners are set up for success from the beginning."
Governor Josh Shapiro has made it a top priority to help kids learn how to read through structured literacy - a systematic approach to reading instruction that provides a strong core of foundational skills that set students up for success. The Shapiro Administration recently announced $10 million in grant funding to 54 schools in 21 counties to implement structured literacy curriculum in their classrooms. This funding will help schools build the systems, instructional capacity, and evidence-based resources necessary to meet structured literacy requirements under the law.
The funding awarded to Northern Lehigh School District will enable the schools to purchase a new core reading program, a PDE-approved universal screener, and help them to invest in professional learning, ensuring that structured literacy practices are consistent in every classroom.
Additionally, PDE has worked with the Reading Leadership Council to create a list of resources designed to help educators translate research into effective classroom practice - no matter where they are in their literacy journey. Educators can find a wealth of structured literacy resources on the PDE Standards Aligned System (SAS) website, including free and on-demand professional development, and Act 48 and Act 45-approved courses, which keep Pennsylvania teacher and administrative certificates active.
"We are proud of the important work our elementary teachers and staff do every day to ensure our students develop the early literacy skills they need to be successful throughout their education," said Dr. Matthew Link, Northern Lehigh School District Superintendent. "This grant funding will go a long way toward helping us close literacy gaps for students who need additional support while preventing those gaps from developing for others. We appreciate the Pennsylvania Department of Education's support and commitment to our students, faculty, and staff."
During the event, Dr. Rowe read Creepy Crayon! By Aaron Reynolds and donated books to each student, as well as the school library, to encourage students to cultivate their love of reading early on. View photos from the event.
Under Governor Shapiro's leadership, Pennsylvania has increased funding for Pennsylvania's schools by more than $3 billion - or 35 percent - since the Governor took office, for a total of $11.85 billion invested into Pennsylvania's students this year.
The 2026-27 budget builds on the progress we've made over the past three years, providing an overall increase in education funding totaling more than $678 million, including a $565 million increase through the bipartisan adequacy and tax equity formula, a $58 million increase for Basic Education Funding, and a $55 million increase for Special Education Funding. It also continues funding for school infrastructure improvements, universal free breakfast, and mental health in schools.
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Original text here: https://www.pa.gov/agencies/education/newsroom/shapiro-administration-investments-in-structured-literacy-are-strengthening-early-reading-instruction-for-students-in-the-lehigh-valley
Pa. Senate Republicans: Statewide Electrical Licensure Legislation Signed Into Law
HARRISBURG, Pennsylvania, Oct. 31 -- The Pennsylvania Senate Republicans issued the following news release:
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Statewide Electrical Licensure Legislation Signed into Law
October 30, 2026
HARRISBURG -- Legislation sponsored by Sens. Devlin Robinson (R-37), Joe Picozzi (R-5) and Tracy Pennycuick (R-24) establishing a statewide licensing system for electrical contractors and electricians has been signed into law.
Senate Bill 1260 -- now Act 108 of 2026 -- establishes uniform licensing requirements across Pennsylvania, replacing a patchwork of municipal regulations that can make it difficult
... Show Full Article
HARRISBURG, Pennsylvania, Oct. 31 -- The Pennsylvania Senate Republicans issued the following news release:
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Statewide Electrical Licensure Legislation Signed into Law
October 30, 2026
HARRISBURG -- Legislation sponsored by Sens. Devlin Robinson (R-37), Joe Picozzi (R-5) and Tracy Pennycuick (R-24) establishing a statewide licensing system for electrical contractors and electricians has been signed into law.
Senate Bill 1260 -- now Act 108 of 2026 -- establishes uniform licensing requirements across Pennsylvania, replacing a patchwork of municipal regulations that can make it difficultfor electrical professionals and businesses to work across local boundaries.
"Electrical work requires specialized training and expertise, and Pennsylvania needs consistent standards to help protect workers, consumers, and personal property," said Robinson. "This law establishes a statewide framework that prioritizes safety while making it easier for qualified electricians and contractors to work throughout the commonwealth. By creating clear pathways into the profession, we can strengthen our skilled workforce and help meet Pennsylvania's growing demand for qualified tradespeople."
"Our skilled trades are the backbone of our workforce, and the men and women who pursue these careers deserve support," said Picozzi. "Electricians perform important work that keeps our homes, businesses and communities running safely. This legislation recognizes that and creates a stronger foundation for the next generation entering the trades."
"When consumers hire an electrician, they need to know they're getting a qualified professional who adheres to rigorous safety standards," said Pennycuick. "This is critical work, where the safety of the consumer and the electrician depends on specialized training. Pennsylvania remains one of the few states without a statewide licensing requirement for electricians. Enacting this law changes that in the name of consumer protection and safety."
The new law is designed to improve electrical safety, reduce the risk of workplace injuries and fatalities, and help ensure electrical installations meet established professional standards. Consistent statewide requirements will also help reduce hazards and costly repairs associated with substandard electrical work.
The law establishes multiple pathways into the electrical profession, including registered apprenticeship programs, residential electrician licensure, and probationary electrical worker status. These pathways are intended to expand access to careers in the electrical trades while maintaining appropriate training and safety requirements. It also authorizes reciprocity agreements with states that have substantially similar licensing requirements, allowing qualified electrical professionals to pursue work across state lines.
Senate Bill 1260 received bipartisan support and is backed by union and non-union electrical contractors throughout Pennsylvania.
VIDEO: Sen. Robinson Floor Remarks (https://vimeo.com/pasenategop/102126-robinson-sb1260?share=copy)
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Original text here: https://www.pasenategop.com/news/statewide-electrical-licensure-legislation-signed-into-law/
Minn. Gov. Walz Extends Relief as Trump's War Drives Up Prices for Minnesota Families and Businesses
ST. PAUL, Minnesota, Oct. 31 -- Gov. Tim Walz, D-Minnesota, issued the following news release:
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Governor Walz Extends Relief as Trump's War Drives Up Prices for Minnesota Families and Businesses
Walz takes executive action to keep harvest moving and fuel costs down during Trump's reckless war
October 30, 2026
[ST. PAUL, MN] - Governor Tim Walz today signed an executive order extending emergency relief for Minnesota's farmers, loggers, truckers, fuel haulers, and families as diesel prices remain near $6 per gallon and President Donald Trump's reckless war with Iran continues to drive up
... Show Full Article
ST. PAUL, Minnesota, Oct. 31 -- Gov. Tim Walz, D-Minnesota, issued the following news release:
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Governor Walz Extends Relief as Trump's War Drives Up Prices for Minnesota Families and Businesses
Walz takes executive action to keep harvest moving and fuel costs down during Trump's reckless war
October 30, 2026
[ST. PAUL, MN] - Governor Tim Walz today signed an executive order extending emergency relief for Minnesota's farmers, loggers, truckers, fuel haulers, and families as diesel prices remain near $6 per gallon and President Donald Trump's reckless war with Iran continues to drive upcosts.
Governor Walz's Executive Order 26-12 builds on the action he took on October 1 to help Minnesota producers and haulers conserve fuel, lower costs, and keep the harvest moving.
"While Minnesota farmers and loggers pay nearly $6 a gallon to bring in the harvest, President Trump is focused on the size of his own wallet," said Governor Walz. "He is still not stepping up, so Minnesota is. This order extends practical relief to the workers who keep our communities fed and our economy strong, helping families and businesses conserve fuel and save money as Trump's reckless war of choice wages on."
The executive order extends temporary hours-of-service relief for motor carriers and drivers transporting fuel products, including diesel, fuel oil, gasoline, ethanol, and biodiesel, as part of emergency relief efforts. The relief helps keep essential fuel supplies moving while maintaining key safety protections.
The executive order also ensures farmers and loggers can efficiently transport their products by loading more product per truckload. This weight-limit relief applies only to the movement of covered harvest products from the location of harvest to the first unloading point. Vehicles may operate under the relief only on state and local highways and may not use interstate highways or forest roads maintained by the state or a county.
Executive Order 26-12 is effective immediately and remains in effect until it is rescinded or November 29, 2026, whichever occurs first.
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Original text here: https://mn.gov/governor/newsroom/press-releases/#/detail/appId/1/id/773172
Del. Gov. Meyer Announces $380M Advanced Manufacturing, Clean Energy Project Joins Jobsfirst Permitting Accelerator
DOVER, Delaware, Oct. 31 -- Gov. Matt Meyer, D-Delaware, issued the following news release:
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Governor Meyer Announces $380M Advanced Manufacturing, Clean Energy Project Joins Jobsfirst Permitting Accelerator
October 30, 2026
DOVER, Del. -- Governor Matt Meyer today announced that Aternium's proposed $380 million hydrogen and heavy water production facility in Dover has been accepted into the JobsFirst Permitting Accelerator, advancing the administration's efforts to attract private investment, create good-paying jobs and position Delaware as a leader in next-generation energy and advanced
... Show Full Article
DOVER, Delaware, Oct. 31 -- Gov. Matt Meyer, D-Delaware, issued the following news release:
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Governor Meyer Announces $380M Advanced Manufacturing, Clean Energy Project Joins Jobsfirst Permitting Accelerator
October 30, 2026
DOVER, Del. -- Governor Matt Meyer today announced that Aternium's proposed $380 million hydrogen and heavy water production facility in Dover has been accepted into the JobsFirst Permitting Accelerator, advancing the administration's efforts to attract private investment, create good-paying jobs and position Delaware as a leader in next-generation energy and advancedmanufacturing.
The Delaware-based clean hydrogen startup plans to develop the facility at Garrison Oak Business and Technology Park in Dover, creating approximately 50 permanent technical, engineering, operations and manufacturing jobs with salaries in the low six figures, along with hundreds of construction jobs. The project would produce high-purity hydrogen for Mid-Atlantic customers and heavy water, also known as deuterium oxide, for industries including pharmaceuticals, semiconductors, defense and advanced technology.
"When a company chooses Delaware, our job is to make sure government helps them succeed instead of standing in their way," said Governor Matt Meyer. "Aternium is bringing the kind of cutting-edge manufacturing, private investment and good-paying jobs that will help grow our economy. Through JobsFirst, we're bringing state agencies together to cut unnecessary red tape and get the projects Delawareans need over the finish line."
"America needs a reliable domestic supply of heavy water, and Aternium is bringing that production back to the U.S. - starting in Delaware," said Andrew Cottone, Founder and CEO of Aternium. "With Governor Meyer's leadership and support from the JobsFirst Accelerator, we're turning that vision into reality. Our Dover facility will strengthen national supply chains, power Mid-Atlantic industry with high purity hydrogen and create the high-paying careers that will help build Delaware's future."
Aternium's proposed facility represents a significant opportunity to establish domestic production of heavy water, a specialized material used in advanced manufacturing, scientific research and emerging technologies. The United States currently relies on imported heavy water, and the Dover facility could help strengthen domestic supply chains while supporting Delaware's growing advanced manufacturing sector.
The announcement builds on the state's previous support for Aternium. In September 2025, the Delaware Division of Small Business awarded the company $1 million through the State Small Business Credit Initiative's Delaware Accelerator and Seed Capital Program to support the expansion of its clean hydrogen production capabilities.
This proposed $380 million facility is expected to begin construction in late November 2027, with an estimated 18-month construction period. The project is currently in the planning phase, and local, state and third-party approvals have not yet begun.
Established through Executive Order 18, the JobsFirst Permitting Accelerator coordinates permitting across state agencies by providing accepted projects with a single point of contact, streamlining interagency reviews and increasing transparency and accountability throughout the permitting process. The program targets completion of complex state permitting reviews within 120 business days while maintaining Delaware's environmental, public safety and regulatory standards.
The Accelerator is designed to help projects that deliver meaningful public benefits move through the permitting process more efficiently, including developments that expand housing, strengthen energy infrastructure, create jobs and attract private investment.
Aternium joins previously accepted JobsFirst Permitting Accelerator projects advancing housing, energy, broadband and critical infrastructure development across Delaware.
Delawareans can learn more about the JobsFirst Permitting Accelerator and track participating projects here (https://jobsfirst.delaware.gov/).
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Original text here: https://news.delaware.gov/2026/10/30/governor-meyer-announces-380m-advanced-manufacturing-clean-energy-project-joins-jobsfirst-permitting-accelerator/
California Mobilizes 112 Community Organizations to Take on the Overdose Crisis and Expand Access to Care
SACRAMENTO, California, Oct. 31 -- Gov. Gavin Newsom, D-California, issued the following news release:
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Oct 30, 2026
California mobilizes 112 community organizations to take on the overdose crisis and expand access to care
What you need to know: California is partnering with 112 community organizations to help prevent opioid and stimulant use, reduce overdose risk, and connect people to treatment and recovery services. The Opioid and Stimulant Use Disorder Prevention and Education Program is investing more than $21 million statewide to provide outreach and education, distribute naloxone,
... Show Full Article
SACRAMENTO, California, Oct. 31 -- Gov. Gavin Newsom, D-California, issued the following news release:
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Oct 30, 2026
California mobilizes 112 community organizations to take on the overdose crisis and expand access to care
What you need to know: California is partnering with 112 community organizations to help prevent opioid and stimulant use, reduce overdose risk, and connect people to treatment and recovery services. The Opioid and Stimulant Use Disorder Prevention and Education Program is investing more than $21 million statewide to provide outreach and education, distribute naloxone,host workshops, offer peer navigation, and strengthen local connections to treatment and recovery services.
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SACRAMENTO - California is partnering with 112 community organizations to help prevent opioid and stimulant use, reduce overdose risk, and connect people to treatment and recovery services. Through the Department of Health Care Services' (DHCS) Opioid and Stimulant Use Disorder Prevention and Education Program, which is investing more than $21 million statewide, trusted community organizations will provide outreach and education, distribute naloxone, host workshops, offer peer navigation, and strengthen local connections to treatment and recovery services.
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California is acting with urgency to save lives and strengthen communities. By partnering with local organizations that people know and trust, we are expanding prevention, education, and pathways to treatment so more Californians can get help and heal. Every life saved matters, and we are all in on solutions that reduce overdoses and connect people to care.
- Governor Gavin Newsom
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Nearly a third of all adults in the United States know someone who has died of a drug overdose, and nearly half of all adults have a family member or close friend who has been or is currently addicted to drugs. To fight this epidemic, we must reduce stigma around treatment and recovery, improve accessibility to evidence-based services and local resources, and ensure our communities understand addiction and substance use disorders. The Opioid and Stimulant Use Disorder Prevention and Education Program has shown significant progress in these efforts. In one year, from September 2024 to September 2025:
* 28,109 patients received opioid use disorder treatment services
* 6,713 patients received stimulant disorder treatment
* 24,274 patients received recovery support services (recovery housing, peer/recovery coaching, employment support, case management, etc.)
* 14,090 new patients started medications for the treatment of opioid use disorder
* An estimated 164,349 individuals, including 11,029 school-aged youth, received prevention education.
A community-led response
The partnerships and investments announced today advance California's statewide work to prevent overdose deaths through preventative education, treatment, recovery, and community-based supports. From September 1, 2026, through August 31, 2027, awarded organizations will implement activities tailored to the needs of their communities, including:
* Community outreach and education campaigns that raise awareness of opioid and stimulant risks.
* Naloxone distribution and training. Naloxone is a medication that can reverse an opioid overdose and save lives.
* Workshops, town halls, and engagement events co-designed with community leaders.
* Peer navigation, screening, and direct personal introductions to treatment and recovery supports.
* Partnerships with healthcare, behavioral health, schools, tribes, faith-based groups, and overdose prevention and response organizations to strengthen referral pathways.
* Innovative approaches that increase access to prevention and treatment resources for populations disproportionately affected by substance use.
"These investments empower local partners to meet people where they are, reduce stigma, and open doors to vital services," said Department of Health Care Services Director Michelle Baass. "When communities have the tools to educate, engage, and navigate people to treatment and recovery, we make measurable progress against opioid and stimulant harms."
The Opioid and Stimulant Use Disorder Prevention and Education Program is funded through the State Opioid Response (SOR) IV grant awarded by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. The SOR grant program provides resources to fight the opioid overdose crisis by increasing access to FDA-approved medications for the treatment of opioid use disorder and supporting the continuum of prevention, treatment, and recovery support services for opioid use disorder and other concurrent substance use disorders.
Addressing the opioid and overdose epidemic
The overdose epidemic claims thousands of lives each year throughout the nation -- and California is combating this through an all-hands-on-deck approach. A critical component of that is overdose prevention services and methods like naloxone, which is capable of reversing opioid overdoses swiftly and effectively.
The state is offering CalRx-branded over-the-counter naloxone at a significantly lower price, while eligible California entities can receive free naloxone kits from the Naloxone Distribution Project, whose kits have reversed over 460,000 overdoses.
Among other actions and legislation focused on addressing and treating the opioid crisis, in 2022, the Governor signed SB 184, which requires treatment facilities to either offer MAT directly to clients or have an effective referral process in place with narcotic treatment programs, community health centers, or other MAT providers. In 2024, he signed AB 2376 (Bains) to increase the number of hospital beds available for the treatment of substance use disorder, including MAT, by giving facilities new flexibility in managing their treatment slots. There are a number of projects focused on expanding MAT access, including the Tribal MAT Project, MAT Access Points, the California Hub & Spoke System, and more.
The state is also taking aggressive action to target fentanyl trafficking and disrupt the supply of deadly illicit drugs in the state, including partnering with local law enforcement and expanding the California National Guard's role in drug interdiction across the state and at the border.
If you or someone you know needs help: call 1-800-944-1807 or text 1-833-308-0461, Monday through Friday, 9 AM to 5 PM. For more information on opioids and how you can protect yourself and loved ones, visit Opioids.CA.GOV, a one-stop shop for Californians seeking resources on prevention and treatment.
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Original text here: https://www.gov.ca.gov/2026/10/30/california-mobilizes-112-community-organizations-to-take-on-the-overdose-crisis-and-expand-access-to-care/
Ala. Commerce Dept.: $9.3 Million in Growing Alabama Awards Will Improve Industrial Sites in 5 Communities
MONTGOMERY, Alabama, Oct. 31 -- The Alabama Department of Commerce issued the following news:
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$9.3 million in Growing Alabama awards will improve industrial sites in 5 communities
Montgomery, Alabama - Five industrial sites across Alabama will soon be improved to better attract quality jobs thanks to more than $9.3 million in new funding, Governor Kay Ivey announced Friday.
The awards are part of the Growing Alabama Tax Credit program, which uses private dollars to improve publicly owned sites for economic development. Donors receive a tax credit equal to the value of their contributions
... Show Full Article
MONTGOMERY, Alabama, Oct. 31 -- The Alabama Department of Commerce issued the following news:
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$9.3 million in Growing Alabama awards will improve industrial sites in 5 communities
Montgomery, Alabama - Five industrial sites across Alabama will soon be improved to better attract quality jobs thanks to more than $9.3 million in new funding, Governor Kay Ivey announced Friday.
The awards are part of the Growing Alabama Tax Credit program, which uses private dollars to improve publicly owned sites for economic development. Donors receive a tax credit equal to the value of their contributionsto approved economic development organizations.
"Through the Growing Alabama program, we're making strategic investments in industrial sites across our state so communities are better prepared to compete for new industries and future expansions," Ivey said. "Alabama is continuing to build on its reputation as a place where businesses can grow, invest and create good-paying jobs."
The latest Growing Alabama awardees are:
* City of Aliceville Industrial Development Board - $2.2 million for site work and public infrastructure at Aliceville Industrial Park;
* Industrial Development Board of the City of Dothan - $3.5 million for site work and public infrastructure at the Westgate Super Site;
* Industrial Development Board of the City of Guntersville - $611,162 for site work and public infrastructure at Conners Island Business Park;
* Industrial Development Board of the City of Pell City - $1 million for site work and public infrastructure at Cogswell Industrial Park;
* Walker County Economic and Industrial Development Authority - $2.1 million for site work and public infrastructure at Heritage Industrial Park.
Growing Alabama promotes economic development by funding industrial site readiness, a key factor for companies considering the state for a new facility or an expansion.
"These improvements will help position Aliceville, Dothan, Guntersville, Pell City and Walker County to attract new opportunities, strengthen local economies and create a brighter future for Alabama families," Commerce Secretary Ellen McNair said. "When we invest in site readiness today, we're laying the groundwork for tomorrow's jobs and economic growth."
Eligible projects for the Growing Alabama program include site preparation and infrastructure improvements on public land for industrial use, capital improvements at inland ports and intermodal facilities, and agricultural center construction and maintenance.
More than $29 million is available under the Growing Alabama program this calendar year. Ivey announced about $20 million in awards in May.
In 2026, over 35% of funding has been awarded to Targeted Counties in rural Alabama.
For information about the Growing Alabama program, contact Shelley Shores, Incentives and Compliance Manager at the Alabama Department of Commerce, at 334-242-0473 or shelley.shores@commerce.alabama.gov.
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Original text here: https://www.madeinalabama.com/2026/10/9-3-million-in-growing-alabama-awards-will-improve-industrial-sites-in-5-communities/
