States, Cities and Counties
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N.C. State Treasurer: High Bond Ratings For 2nd Day in a Row; Another AAA Rating for North Carolina
RALEIGH, North Carolina, Oct. 18 -- The North Carolina State Treasurer issued the following news release on Oct. 17, 2025:
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High Bond Ratings For 2nd Day in a Row; Another AAA Rating for North Carolina
More good news from bonding agencies today - as S&P assigned another AAA bond rating to North Carolina's outstanding general obligation bonds. This is the highest ranking a state can be given and indicates it is both financially stable and has a high level of credit worthiness.
State Treasurer Brad Briner points out this is the second of three major bonding agencies who have now scrutinized
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RALEIGH, North Carolina, Oct. 18 -- The North Carolina State Treasurer issued the following news release on Oct. 17, 2025:
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High Bond Ratings For 2nd Day in a Row; Another AAA Rating for North Carolina
More good news from bonding agencies today - as S&P assigned another AAA bond rating to North Carolina's outstanding general obligation bonds. This is the highest ranking a state can be given and indicates it is both financially stable and has a high level of credit worthiness.
State Treasurer Brad Briner points out this is the second of three major bonding agencies who have now scrutinizedNorth Carolina's books and come away with the same assessment of AAA. "It is not by accident that North Carolina is continually recognized for its fiscal management. The legislature put us on a path to financial success, and work done by my team and others in state government have effectively managed that money in a transparent and prudent way."
In its rating, S&P said its rating "reflects the state's strong economic growth, ability to manage revenue to support expenditure mandates, well-defined financial management policies, and commitment to maintaining balanced biennial budgets and very strong reserves."
S&P also gave the refunding general obligation bonds a AAA and the limited obligation refunding bond series a high AA+ rating.
Yesterday, Moody's announced its Aaa bond rating for the state.
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Original text here: https://www.nctreasurer.gov/news/press-releases/2025/10/17/high-bond-ratings-2nd-day-row-another-aaa-rating-north-carolina
Mo. A.G. Hanaway Secures More Than $60,000 Restitution In Camden County Home Remodeling Fraud Case
JEFFERSON CITY, Missouri, Oct. 18 -- Missouri Attorney General Catherine Hanaway issued the following news release on Oct. 17, 2025:
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Attorney General Hanaway Secures More Than $60,000 Restitution In Camden County Home Remodeling Fraud Case
Today, Missouri Attorney General Catherine Hanaway announced that Brandon Ward, owner of Insight Contractors, has been sentenced for one felony count of Deceptive Business Practice and one felony count of Stealing in connection with a home remodeling scheme that defrauded Missouri consumers.
In 2022, Ward accepted a total of $61,650 in upfront payments
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JEFFERSON CITY, Missouri, Oct. 18 -- Missouri Attorney General Catherine Hanaway issued the following news release on Oct. 17, 2025:
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Attorney General Hanaway Secures More Than $60,000 Restitution In Camden County Home Remodeling Fraud Case
Today, Missouri Attorney General Catherine Hanaway announced that Brandon Ward, owner of Insight Contractors, has been sentenced for one felony count of Deceptive Business Practice and one felony count of Stealing in connection with a home remodeling scheme that defrauded Missouri consumers.
In 2022, Ward accepted a total of $61,650 in upfront paymentsfrom two Missouri homeowners to remodel their property, but performed only minimal work before abandoning the projects entirely.
On October 9, 2025, Ward pleaded guilty in Camden County Circuit Court. As a result of his guilty pleas, the Court ordered him to pay $61,650 in restitution to the victims. Ward was also sentenced to four years in the Missouri Department of Corrections for deceptive business practice and to seven years for stealing, all counts running concurrently, and with execution of those sentences being suspended. Ward was also placed on probation for 5 years.
"This sentencing sends a clear message: contractors who deceive and exploit Missouri homeowners will be held accountable," said Attorney General Hanaway. "Our Office is committed to ensuring that victims of fraud are made whole and that dishonest businesses face the full force of Missouri law."
Attorney General Hanaway urges anyone who believes Insight Contractors or Brandon Ward may have defrauded them to call the Attorney General's Consumer Protection Section at 800-392-8222 or file a complaint online at ago.mo.gov. The Attorney General reminds the public that the charges against any defendant are merely allegations. As in all criminal cases, the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
Just as the Consumer Protection Section exemplifies the Attorney General's Office's commitment to safeguarding Missourians, the Office is proud to be home to some of the state's most skilled consumer-protection attorneys. These dedicated professionals investigate and prosecute deceptive and fraudulent practices, working tirelessly to hold bad actors accountable and secure justice for victims. Attorneys interested in joining this tradition of excellence and public service are encouraged to explore current opportunities at https://ago.mo.gov/about-us/job-opportunities/.
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Original text here: https://ago.mo.gov/attorney-general-hanaway-secures-more-than-60000-restitution-in-camden-county-home-remodeling-fraud-case/
Minn. Gov. Walz Appoints Nathan LaCoursiere to Fill Sixth Judicial District Vacancy
ST. PAUL, Minnesota, Oct. 18 -- Gov. Tim Walz, D-Minnesota, issued the following news release on Oct. 17, 2025:
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Governor Walz Appoints Nathan LaCoursiere to Fill Sixth Judicial District Vacancy
Governor Tim Walz today announced the appointment of Nathan LaCoursiere as District Court Judge in Minnesota's Sixth Judicial District. LaCoursiere will replace the Honorable Eric L. Hylden and will be chambered in Duluth in St. Louis County.
"Nathan LaCoursiere will be a remarkable judge," said Governor Walz. "What makes him so talented is not only his legal acumen, but his deep sense of what
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ST. PAUL, Minnesota, Oct. 18 -- Gov. Tim Walz, D-Minnesota, issued the following news release on Oct. 17, 2025:
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Governor Walz Appoints Nathan LaCoursiere to Fill Sixth Judicial District Vacancy
Governor Tim Walz today announced the appointment of Nathan LaCoursiere as District Court Judge in Minnesota's Sixth Judicial District. LaCoursiere will replace the Honorable Eric L. Hylden and will be chambered in Duluth in St. Louis County.
"Nathan LaCoursiere will be a remarkable judge," said Governor Walz. "What makes him so talented is not only his legal acumen, but his deep sense of whatis fair and just. These are skills that are not easily taught but born of character and experience. He will serve the Sixth Judicial District and the people of Duluth with care and respect for years to come."
Minnesota's Sixth Judicial District encompasses Carlton, Cook, Lake, and St. Louis counties.
Nathan LaCoursiere is a senior assistant county attorney in the St. Louis County Attorney's Office, where he represents the county in a wide range of civil, labor, appellate, and real estate matters. He is also an assistant professor at the University of Minnesota-Duluth, where he teaches constitutional law. LaCoursiere was previously an assistant city attorney for the City of Duluth and a law clerk to the Honorable David R. Minge on the Minnesota Court of Appeals. His past community and professional involvement includes volunteering for the Duluth Energy Plan Commission, the Minnesota Commission on Judicial Selection, and serving as a Judicare Legal Aid attorney, representing low-income clients in northwestern Wisconsin. He earned his B.A. from the University of Minnesota - Morris and his J.D. from the University of Minnesota Law School.
For more information about the judicial selection process, please visit the Governor's Judicial Appointments webpage (https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fmn.gov%2Fgovernor%2Fadministration%2Fjudicialappointments%2F/1/01010199f2f04911-5154cf57-d9b4-4104-9f6f-67089c012450-000000/ZsugEPAtNlCQoPBneEpA2c1FWlA6P1GO9EwsWmYM9f8=427).
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Original text here: https://mn.gov/governor/newsroom/press-releases/#/detail/appId/1/id/710056
Governor Kelly and Kansas Department of Commerce Celebrate Kansas Businesses at 2025 'To The Stars' Ceremony
TOPEKA, Kansas, Oct. 18 -- The Kansas Department of Commerce issued the following news release on Oct. 17, 2025:
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Governor Kelly and Kansas Department of Commerce Celebrate Kansas Businesses at 2025 'To The Stars' Ceremony
Kansas businesses and entrepreneurs were honored Thursday night at the Robert W. Plaster Center at Pittsburg State University for their outstanding contributions to Kansas communities and the state economy at the Kansas Department of Commerce's 2025 To The Stars: Kansas Business Awards ceremony.
It was announced at the ceremony, attended by nearly 500 people, that Grey
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TOPEKA, Kansas, Oct. 18 -- The Kansas Department of Commerce issued the following news release on Oct. 17, 2025:
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Governor Kelly and Kansas Department of Commerce Celebrate Kansas Businesses at 2025 'To The Stars' Ceremony
Kansas businesses and entrepreneurs were honored Thursday night at the Robert W. Plaster Center at Pittsburg State University for their outstanding contributions to Kansas communities and the state economy at the Kansas Department of Commerce's 2025 To The Stars: Kansas Business Awards ceremony.
It was announced at the ceremony, attended by nearly 500 people, that GreySnow Management Solutions won the 2025 Governor's Award of Excellence and GeoProbe Systems was named the 2025 Governor's Exporter of the Year.
"Grey Snow and GeoProbe have dynamic missions and visions that align with our commitment to moving Kansas forward and supporting customers and communities across the state," Governor Laura Kelly said. "Companies like these advance our state's exporting efforts, contribute significantly to their local economies, and are more than deserving of these awards."
A record 431 businesses, organizations, and individuals were nominated in 11 different categories for this year's To The Stars: Kansas Business Awards. Nominees were reviewed and scored for various criteria, including business expansion, employee recruitment and retention practices, training and educational programs, capital investment, and support for local community events. A total of 372 Merit Awards and 59 Regional Awards were presented at the event. Additionally, one nominee in each category was designated a Statewide Winner, making them finalists for the Governor's Award of Excellence.
"Kansas businesses are the backbone of the record-setting success our state has experienced over the last six years," Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. "All the businesses recognized at To The Stars are worthy of celebration because they exemplify our famous work ethic and determination, further solidifying Kansas as the best place in the nation to do business."
To kick off the awards ceremony, emcee Melissa Vincent recognized two Kansans who have been inducted into the Kansas Business Hall of Fame for their significant contributions to economic growth. This year's contemporary honoree, Marci Penner, is a rural champion and author from Inman who is the executive director of the Kansas Sampler Foundation. The historical honoree, Emerson Carey, Sr., is an entrepreneur and philanthropist from Hutchinson known as a salt manufacturer and industrial leader.
Commerce also introduced two new award categories: the Small Business Champion - Corporate Partner Award that highlights corporations demonstrating exceptional commitment to small business -- and the Mainstreet Momentum Award that honors a business continuously working to improve downtown areas and commercial districts through growth and engagement.
The 2025 Statewide Award winners are below:
* Agribusiness - Liquid Art Winery and Estate, Manhattan
* Apprenticeship Champions and Partners - American Implement, Garden City
* Business Innovation - Shed Lifestyles, LLC, Kansas City
* Healthcare/Nonprofit - Special Olympics Kansas, Inc., Mission
* Mainstreet Momentum - Grand Central Hotel and Grill, Cottonwood Falls
* Manufacturing/Distribution - LeDuc Memorial Designs, Concordia
* Non-Traditional Talent Pools - AllMetal Recycling, LLC, Wichita
* Retail/Service - Grey Snow Management Solutions, Cloud
* Small Business Champion - Corporate Partner - Northwest Kansas Economic Innovation Center, Inc., Norton
* Under 30 Entrepreneur - Braiden Werth, Werth Eye Group, P.A., Hays
* Welcome Back - Davey and Kim Froman, Miners and Monroe, Pittsburg
The 2025 Governor's Award of Excellence winner, Grey Snow Management Solutions, is an economic development enterprise created to manage, build, support, and enhance tribal sovereignty, as well as provide expert services for government and commercial clients. Their mission is to provide sustainable, responsible, and profitable services for the cultural and financial betterment of the Iowa Tribe of Kansas and Nebraska and all of Indian Country across North America.
The Governor's Exporter of the Year award has been given to a Kansas company for more than three decades. The award brings statewide recognition to companies for their export efforts and showcases companies as role models of exporting success in Kansas.
The 2025 Governor's Exporter of the Year winner, GeoProbe Systems, was founded in 1987 by two engineers who manufactured and introduced the first direct push machines and tooling to the environmental industry -- changing the way soil, groundwater, and soil gas samples are collected. Since those first methods went to the field, GeoProbe has invested heavily in engineering to continue developing new designs and innovative techniques for fieldwork, diversified across a wide range of drilling industries - garnering a global reputation as a drilling industry leader.
Other Exporter of the Year finalists were SOR Controls Group of Lenexa and Harlan Global Manufacturing of Kansas City.
At the end of the awards ceremony, the agency introduced the new Randi Tveitaraas Jack International Business Development Award. It will recognize individuals who have made outstanding contributions to advancing Kansas in the global economy. The award was named in honor of Randi Tveitaraas Jack, who recently retired from the Kansas Department of Commerce after more than 37 years of outstanding service to the state. The agency recognized James "Jamie" Hall, Vice President of Great Plains Manufacturing in Salina, as the inaugural recipient.
A full list of the 2025 To The Stars: Kansas Business Awards winners and photographs from the event can be found here (https://www.kansascommerce.gov/tothestars/to-the-stars-kansas-business-awards-2025/).
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Original text here: https://www.kansascommerce.gov/2025/10/governor-kelly-and-kansas-department-of-commerce-celebrate-kansas-businesses-at-2025-to-the-stars-ceremony/
California Invests Nearly $5 Billion for Local Projects to Improve Roadways, New Alternative Transport Options
SACRAMENTO, California, Oct. 18 -- Gov. Gavin Newsom, D-California, issued the following news release on Oct. 17, 2025:
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California invests nearly $5 billion for local projects to improve roadways, new alternative transport options
What you need to know: Nearly $5 billion is being invested into infrastructure projects across California by fixing roads and bridges and building new zero emission projects.
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MERCED - Continuing to improve regional roadways and enhance public transportation overall, today Governor Gavin Newsom announced nearly $5 billion to improve safety and mobility on
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SACRAMENTO, California, Oct. 18 -- Gov. Gavin Newsom, D-California, issued the following news release on Oct. 17, 2025:
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California invests nearly $5 billion for local projects to improve roadways, new alternative transport options
What you need to know: Nearly $5 billion is being invested into infrastructure projects across California by fixing roads and bridges and building new zero emission projects.
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MERCED - Continuing to improve regional roadways and enhance public transportation overall, today Governor Gavin Newsom announced nearly $5 billion to improve safety and mobility onlocal streets and state highways, as well as fund new alternative transportation options and zero emissions projects.
More than half of today's allocation will provide 600 local governments and regional transportation agencies with their annual funding to fix roads, bridges and other transportation needs statewide.
California is investing in itself -- in our communities, our people, and the places we drive, walk, and ride every day. We're making our roads safer, our commutes smoother, and our transportation system cleaner and more connected. -Governor Gavin Newsom
Among the projects approved is $700 million for repairs and critical upgrades needed for the Vincent Thomas Bridge, a 60-year-old span in the Port of Los Angeles that will soon undergo a major deck refurbishment. Another $140 million will fund truck climbing lanes among other improvements to Interstate 80 in the Sierra foothills between Applegate and Emigrant Gap, a major west coast freight thoroughfare.
"This nearly $5 billion investment highlights California's strong commitment to creating a modern, resilient transportation system that enhances local streets and strengthens connections between neighborhoods, job centers and schools," said California Transportation Secretary Toks Omishakin. "Thanks to Governor Newsom's leadership, Caltrans' work and the Commission, we are building a safer, more connected and future-ready transportation network that serves all Californians."
Pedestrian facilities also received support from the allocations, including an award of $97 million to replace a pedestrian bridge that connects neighborhoods south of the City College of San Francisco campus and other improvements to Interstate 280 between San Francisco and San Mateo counties. And $6.3 million will be spent on new sidewalks, bike lanes and traffic controls in the cities of Santa Barbara and Santa Rosa and in Santa Clara County.
"Our local partners are steadfast contributors and valued partners in keeping California's vast transportation network safe and efficient," said Caltrans Director Dina El-Tawansy. "When added to the various highway projects also approved, this month's action ensures that hundreds of essential improvements in our cities and neighborhoods will better enable people and goods to flow throughout the state and beyond."
"The Commission is committed to ensuring that California's transportation system is safe and reliable for everyone who uses it," said California Transportation Commission Executive Director Tanisha Taylor. "Today's nearly $5 billion investment in projects will improve multimodal access to schools and employment centers, boost our growing economy, and reduce out-of-pocket expenses for all Californians."
Other notable projects include:
* $10 million to build a floating charging station for zero emission ferries in San Francisco Bay.
* $9.7 million to purchase electric buses for use around the University of California, Los Angeles campus.
* $8 million to restore fire-damaged irrigation systems and landscaping near Lake Forest in Orange County.
Of the total allocation this month, $470 million comes through Senate Bill (SB) 1, the Road Repair and Accountability Act of 2017, and $4.2 billion from the federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. The larger than normal funding relates almost exclusively to the annual allocation provided to local governments and regional transportation agencies.
California is expected to receive nearly $42 billion in federal infrastructure funding over a span of five years. These investments will upgrade the state's roads, bridges, rail, public transit, airports, ports and the electric vehicle charging network.
SB 1 has invested approximately $5 billion annually toward transportation projects since 2017. It provides funding split between the state and local agencies. Road projects progress through construction phases more quickly based on the availability of funds, including projects that are partially funded by SB 1.
For more information about transportation and other infrastructure projects funded with state and federal investments, visit build.ca.gov.
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Original text here: https://www.gov.ca.gov/2025/10/17/california-invests-nearly-5-billion-for-local-projects-to-improve-roadways-new-alternative-transport-options/
Arizona State Senate Republicans: President Trump's DOJ Supports Arizona's Law Requiring Proof of Citizenship to Vote
PHOENIX, Arizona, Oct. 18 -- The Arizona State Senate Republican Caucus issued the following news release on Oct. 17, 2025:
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President Trump's DOJ Supports Arizona's Law Requiring Proof of Citizenship to Vote
Under President Donald J. Trump's leadership, the United States Department of Justice (DOJ) has intervened in Senate President Warren Petersen's prolonged legal battle to protect the integrity of Arizona elections. The brief in support of the Arizona Legislature's position comes after the Ninth Circuit invalidated a state law strengthening proof of citizenship requirements.
"We are
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PHOENIX, Arizona, Oct. 18 -- The Arizona State Senate Republican Caucus issued the following news release on Oct. 17, 2025:
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President Trump's DOJ Supports Arizona's Law Requiring Proof of Citizenship to Vote
Under President Donald J. Trump's leadership, the United States Department of Justice (DOJ) has intervened in Senate President Warren Petersen's prolonged legal battle to protect the integrity of Arizona elections. The brief in support of the Arizona Legislature's position comes after the Ninth Circuit invalidated a state law strengthening proof of citizenship requirements.
"We arethankful to again have a White House and Department of Justice committed to the rule of law and fair elections," said Senate President Warren Petersen. "The DOJ's brief is appreciated in our fight to uphold a commonsense law and the will of the people. Given the clear precedent handed down from the U.S. Supreme Court, we are confident we will ultimately prevail. With the continued absence of our governor and attorney general, thankfully, the Arizona Legislature is again picking up the slack and is returning to our nation's high court to defend election integrity."
This lawsuit, Mi Familia Vota v. Warren Petersen, stems from radical Left activists, some of which are from outside of Arizona, opposing two laws passed by the Republican-controlled Legislature back in 2022, restricting voters who don't provide documentation confirming they are, in fact, legal citizens of the United States. The DOJ's brief argues that "Arizona's birthplace requirement does not violate the Materiality Provision because it is generally important that an election official would consider important to the process of determining an applicant's eligibility to vote."
Last August, a three-judge panel vacated an emergency stay decision issued unanimously by another Ninth Circuit panel. This ruling effectively allowed any individual in Arizona to use a state form to register to vote, without providing proof of citizenship, in order to cast a ballot in federal races like U.S. President and Congress. Shockingly, federal law does not currently require citizenship documentation to vote in federal elections. After President Petersen filed an emergency stay application at the U.S. Supreme Court, the nation's high court affirmed Arizona's right to reject state form registrations that do not include proof of citizenship, which was the last legal order in this case until the Ninth Circuit deviated from the U.S. Supreme Court ruling.
Judge Nelson and ten others dissented from the Ninth Circuit's most-recent opinion, writing, "Republican government serves as the keystone of the Constitution. In such a government a majority of citizens who lawfully vote determines who represents us in the White House, Congress, and state legislatures. Courts must therefore defend the franchise - both by protecting the right of all citizens to vote, and by ensuring non-citizens do not vote. Arizona passed laws to protect the franchise... Sadly, the panel majority opinion undermines republican government, shreds federalism and the separation of powers, and imperils free and fair elections."
From here, the next step is for the U.S. Supreme Court to take up this case and affirm Arizona's right to enforce commonsense election laws that protect our citizens and our votes.
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View brief at: https://www.justice.gov/crt/media/1404326/dl
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Original text here: https://www.azsenaterepublicans.gov/post/president-trump-s-doj-supports-arizona-s-law-requiring-proof-of-citizenship-to-vote
Alabama Expands Aviation Training to Meet Soaring Industry Demand
MONTGOMERY, Alabama, Oct. 18 -- The Alabama Department of Commerce posted the following news on Oct. 17, 2025:
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Alabama expands aviation training to meet soaring industry demand
OPELIKA, Alabama -- Southern Union State Community College celebrated a significant milestone as the first class of its Aviation Maintenance Technology program graduated, marking another step forward in Alabama's ongoing effort to strengthen the talent pipeline for the aerospace and aviation industries.
Nineteen Southern Union students recently completed the two-year program, making them eligible to take the Federal
... Show Full Article
MONTGOMERY, Alabama, Oct. 18 -- The Alabama Department of Commerce posted the following news on Oct. 17, 2025:
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Alabama expands aviation training to meet soaring industry demand
OPELIKA, Alabama -- Southern Union State Community College celebrated a significant milestone as the first class of its Aviation Maintenance Technology program graduated, marking another step forward in Alabama's ongoing effort to strengthen the talent pipeline for the aerospace and aviation industries.
Nineteen Southern Union students recently completed the two-year program, making them eligible to take the FederalAviation Administration (FAA) exams required to earn a license in the high-demand aviation maintenance field.
"This is an exciting milestone for our students and for the college," said Dan House, Program Director for Aviation Maintenance Technology (AMT) at Southern Union. "These graduates have put in two years of hard work mastering the skills needed to keep aircraft safe and airworthy.
"They're now ready to take the final step toward licensure and enter a high-demand industry," he added.
The new program illustrates the key role that the Alabama Community College System (ACCS) is playing in providing a new generation of workers for the state's aerospace and aviation industries.
"This Aviation Maintenance Technology program, and others like it, are prime examples of how Alabama's two-year colleges are equipping students with real-world skills that meet the needs of key industries," said Ellen McNair, Secretary of the Alabama Department of Commerce.
"This represents an important investment in our state's workforce and a promising future for aviation in Alabama."
The ACCS aviation programs are complemented by programs at Alabama universities such as Auburn and Tuskegee, and by training initiatives led by AIDT, the state's renowned workforce development agency.
Classrooms to cockpits
Currently, there are roughly 1,500 students enrolled in ACCS' FAA-certified aviation programs across the state, according to Gillette Samms, Director of Aviation Programs for the system.
Nine ACCS schools across the state offer aerospace and aviation-related training programs, with several pathways certified by the FAA. The programs offer students opportunities including high school dual enrollment, certificates, apprenticeships and two-year degrees.
Enrollment has been rising in all of them.
"Each of these programs has unique success stories in contributing to the needs of students engaged in aviation career training, and in meeting local, regional and national workforce needs for which there is currently a huge gap within the industry," Samms said.
For the industry, the need for trained new talent is acute, with a projected need of more than 200,000 new pilots and 189,000 new maintenance technicians in North America by 2037.
Samms said ACCS offers FAA-certified AMT training programs at Coastal Alabama Community College, Enterprise State Community College, Snead State Community College -- and the latest at Southern Union.
He said Southern Union has tripled its aviation mechanic training enrollment since the first students entered the program. Looking forward, the college expects to locate a new training facility at the Auburn airport to accommodate growth occurring at the main and Valley campuses.
Progress is being made to open a fifth AMT program at Calhoun Community College in North Alabama, he added. This program is anticipated to start next fall and will be located on the Tanner campus to support growth activities at Pryor Field, where a new $33 million aviation facility is being built.
Career pathways
For Southern Union's AMT students, the FAA licensing process included three components -- General, Airframe and Powerplant -- each with written, oral and practical exams conducted on live aircraft and related components and accessories. In total, graduates must pass nine exams to become licensed aviation maintenance professionals.
The AMT programs combine classroom instruction with hands-on technical training to prepare students for immediate entry into the workforce.
Additionally, ACCS schools offer pathways into the industry besides aviation maintenance.
There's a Flight Technology program at Wallace State Community College in Hanceville, with flight training in both fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters leading to advanced FAA Commercial Pilot licenses and ratings. Flight training is conducted at the Cullman Regional Airport in Vinemont.
Wallace Community College in Selma offers a comprehensive aviation training program that includes focuses on flight, aviation management, drones, air traffic control and avionics. There is even a Simulation Lab with desktop flight simulators and two full-motion FAA-certified simulators that feel just like flying a real plane.
Samms said another exceptional Aviation Manufacturing program offering is at Bishop State Community College, which supports the growing Airbus manufacturing facility in Mobile.
Other ACCS schools have formed partnerships with key players in Alabama's aerospace industry, including Boeing and Lockheed Martin. Huntsville's Drake State Community and Technical College last year opened a 50,000-square-foot training facility in collaboration with aerospace giant Leidos.
"These programs represent exactly the kind of progress Alabama needs to stay ahead in a fast-moving global industry," said Bob Smith, the Alabama Department of Commerce's aerospace and aviation specialist. "We're seeing the results of strategic investment and collaboration -- not just in infrastructure, but in people.
"The graduates of these programs are stepping into a high-demand field with real opportunity, and they're helping ensure Alabama remains a leader in aerospace and aviation for decades to come," Smith said.
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Original text here: https://www.madeinalabama.com/2025/10/alabama-expands-aviation-training-to-meet-soaring-industry-demand/
