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A recent grant in the amount of $11,751,607.34 in federal Abandoned Mine Land Economic Revitalization (AMLER) Program funding that was awarded for two innovative projects in Hoover, Alabama — Broad Metro’s Stadium Trace Village Phase 2 Project and Signature Homes’ I-459 Exit 9 Parkway Extension — highlights another successful partnership between business, state and federal government.

These initiatives aim to eliminate environmental hazards, enhance public safety and drive economic growth in coal-impacted communities.

“By combining strong partnerships with federal support and a focused approach to rural economic growth, this investment represents a major win for the state,” said Workforce Secretary Greg Reed. “It delivers jobs, revitalizes unused land, and creates a space that will benefit the community economically and socially for years to come.”

“This award shows what’s possible when we align funding, partnerships, and a commitment to rural development and it brings jobs to the region while turning underutilized land into a productive resource that serves both the economy and the community.”

These sentiments were echoed by Will Kadish, CEO of Broad Metro.

“At a time when federal infrastructure investments face uncertainty, we’re grateful that programs like AMLER continue to deliver results for Alabama communities. The state continues to benefit from Senator Richard Shelby’s incredible legacy. He fought to fund programs like this, and projects like Stadium Trace Village are proof that his efforts are still paying dividends for Alabama families,” said Kadish.

“We’re thankful for Governor Ivey’s leadership, Secretary Greg Reed and the Alabama Department of Workforce, OSMRE, and Senators Katie Britt and Tommy Tuberville for their continued partnership in moving these projects forward.”

“This project will create hundreds of construction jobs and permanent positions while remediating land hazards that have gone unaddressed for decades. Land that once posed risks to the community will transformed to meet community needs. We’re proud to be part of this effort and look forward to breaking ground.”

Broad Metro’s Stadium Trace Village Phase 2 Project will revitalize approximately 121 acres of undeveloped land, incorporating a state-of-the-art 80,000-square-foot South Haven Surgical Plaza, a hotel, retail spaces and green areas.

This mixed-use development is expected to create over 300 temporary construction jobs and 200 permanent positions, while preserving natural features and providing new recreational and commercial options for residents.

“We are grateful to the Alabama Department of Workforce Development and Secretary Greg Reed for the AMLER grant supporting the I-459 Exit 9 Parkway Extension,” said Jonathan Belcher, CEO of Signature Homes.

“This investment allows us to reclaim historic mining areas, protect the Cahaba River watershed, and transform underutilized land into critical infrastructure that will support more than 1,000 construction jobs and nearly 600 permanent jobs. Just as importantly, the parkway provides essential connectivity to the new Exit 9 interchange, ensuring that this significant public investment delivers long-term economic growth, improved mobility, and lasting benefits for Jefferson and Shelby counties.”

“This AMLER investment represents far more than infrastructure — it’s about reclaiming our past to build Alabama’s future,” said Belcher.

“By restoring historic mining lands and delivering the critical roadway connection to the new I-459 Exit 9 interchange, this project unlocks economic opportunity, environmental stewardship, and regional connectivity at a scale that will benefit generations. We’re proud to partner with the State of Alabama to transform legacy land into a foundation for jobs, mobility, and sustainable growth across Jefferson and Shelby counties.”

Signature Homes’ I-459 Exit 9 Parkway Extension will construct a new interchange and bypass road between Exit 6 at Morgan Road and Exit 10 at John Hawkins Parkway, easing traffic congestion and unlocking access to surrounding areas for residential and commercial growth.

The project includes connections to Ross Bridge Parkway and supports broader annexation efforts, fostering economic expansion in western Hoover.

The AMLER Program, funded through federal appropriations, targets legacy coal mining sites abandoned before 1977, converting them into productive assets for local economies.

The selected projects demonstrate a strong connection between reclamation and community benefits, including job creation, infrastructure improvements and new development opportunities in Jefferson and Shelby counties.

Courtesy of the Alabama Department of Workforce. 

The Alabama Department of Workforce (ADOW) is pleased to announce the launch of a new and improved application for reporting new hires.

While many features of the current system will remain the same, the new application includes several enhancements designed to streamline the reporting process and improve usability.

These changes will be effective December 4, 2025.

All Alabama employers MUST report all new hires to the state within seven days to remain in compliance with state law.

The portal can be found here.

Important Information for Employers:

Any questions should be directed to the ADOW New Hire Unit at newhire@workforce.alabama.gov or call (334) 206-6020.

Courtesy of the Alabama Department of Workforce.

The Alabama Department of Workforce’s Abandoned Mine Land Program (ADOW-AML) is pleased to announce the availability of $11 million in federal grant funding for the 2025 Abandoned Mine Land Economic Revitalization (AMLER) Program.

This funding will support reclamation projects that drive economic growth and community development in Alabama counties impacted by historical coal mining activities.

The AMLER Program, administered in partnership with the federal Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement (OSMRE), targets abandoned mine lands from coal mining operations conducted prior to 1977.

By reclaiming these sites, the program aims to eliminate environmental hazards, improve public safety, and create opportunities for economic revitalization in affected communities. Eligible counties include Bibb, Fayette, Jefferson, Marion, Shelby, Tuscaloosa, Walker, and other areas with documented abandoned mine land inventories.

“This $11 million investment underscores Alabama’s commitment to transforming abandoned mine lands into vibrant, productive spaces that benefit our communities,” said Greg Reed, Secretary of the Alabama Department of Workforce.

“These projects not only restore our environment but also create jobs and spur economic development in areas that have long shown the impacts of past mining activities.”

The 2025 AMLER funding will support projects that demonstrate a clear connection between reclamation and economic or community benefits, such as:

Eligible applicants, including local governments, economic development organizations, and nonprofit entities, are encouraged to submit project proposals to the ADOW-AML Program. Applications must outline how reclamation efforts will contribute to economic revitalization and comply with federal AMLER guidelines. The deadline for submitting applications is close of business January 31, 2026.

“Through the AMLER Program, we are turning liabilities into assets for Alabama’s coal-impacted counties,” said Jennifer Holton, Deputy Secretary of Workforce and Acting Director of Mining and Reclamation. “We look forward to partnering with communities to fund innovative projects that create lasting benefits.”

For more information on eligibility and application requirements visit the Alabama Department of Workforce’s AML Program website at Alabama’s Abandoned Mine Land Program or contact the AML Program office at (205) 945-8671 or via email at amler@workforce.alabama.gov.

The AMLER Program is funded through the Consolidated Appropriations Act and the Full-Year Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act reflecting a collaborative effort to address the legacy of abandoned mine lands while fostering economic opportunity across Alabama.

Courtesy of the Alabama Department of Workforce.