AGP Executive Report

Workforce & Training: ProjectXYZ donated $250,000 to the Alabama School of Cyber Technology and Engineering in Huntsville, backing a new research institute and a 64-bed women’s dorm, plus internships for students. Auto Manufacturing: Hyundai Metaplant America is swapping manufacturing leadership, with Jason Jacobs stepping down and Mike Putinta set to take over as the plant moves into full-scale production expansion. Defense & Aerospace: The U.S. Army awarded Airbus Helicopters a contract for up to 12 UH-72B Lakota helicopters, with work at Redstone Arsenal, and confirmed a new Patriot-equipped battalion will stand up in Guam in October. Local Construction & Health Facilities: East Alabama Medical Center in Opelika is getting $2.2M in main-lobby renovations, while Decatur is seeing a $1.4M new animal clinic building permit. Education & Safety: Tuscaloosa City Schools will vote on adding 16 parking-lot security cameras at five locations, and Talladega schools are hiring more bus drivers to cut delays. Energy Costs: GasBuddy reports show premium and midgrade prices easing in multiple Alabama counties for the week ending Aug. 8. Consumer Fraud Watch: Wetumpka tied for ninth in Alabama for July BBB scam reports, with online purchase scams driving the biggest losses.

Data Centers & Power Planning: Cullman’s Planning Commission will consider making its data center moratorium permanent, citing power demand, water use, noise, traffic, wastewater strain, and long-term infrastructure limits. Grid & Transmission Policy: The Trump administration scrapped three proposed National Interest Electric Transmission Corridor routes, saying the process shouldn’t continue amid cost and reliability concerns. Energy Tech Pilot in Alabama: The Alabama Mobility and Power Center and PowerBox Technology are testing next-generation industrial energy management at the AMP Power Research Lab. Manufacturing & Defense Contracts: RTX won a $22.9B Navy deal to ramp Tomahawk cruise missile production, and M1 Support Services landed up to a $10B Army Flight School Next contract tied to UH-72 Lakota training at Fort Rucker. Critical Minerals: EXIM approved a $25M loan for Westwater Resources’ Kellyton graphite plant in Coosa County, targeting battery-grade production in 2027. Healthcare Workforce: Alabama School of Healthcare Sciences opened with 79 students on the University of West Alabama campus. Retail & Food: A jalapeno recall expanded due to possible salmonella exposure, with Alabama among affected states. Local Business Growth: Thompson Thrift announced a 300-unit luxury apartment community in Chelsea, and Huey Magoo’s awarded development rights for 60 new restaurants, including four in Birmingham.

Manufacturing & Jobs: Callan JMB, ASU and Bia Power Systems announced a $60 million electrical manufacturing venture in Brewton to build transformers and power equipment, aiming for 150–250 direct jobs. Aerospace Investment: Airbus says it will invest $82M in Mobile, adding 50 jobs and launching a new Central Distribution Center in early 2027, with solar canopies planned to cut energy use. Workforce & Policy: Sen. Katie Boyd Britt highlighted Army aviation training upgrades at Fort Rucker, plus legislative work tied to immigration enforcement and wildlife conservation. Healthcare Data Privacy: A class-action firm is investigating the Lone Star Community Health Center/Aesto Health breach affecting 250,130 patients, tied to a vendor incident. Retail & Local Economy: Tanger is renovating Tanger Outlets Foley and bringing in Shake Shack as part of a broader food, beverage and entertainment expansion. Consumer Safety & Fraud: Cullman ranked 8th among Alabama cities for BBB scam reports in July, while Meridianville logged two scam incidents. Energy Prices: GasBuddy reports show localized lowest diesel and midgrade prices across Alabama counties for the week ending Aug. 8. Community Development: Foley officials are weighing a potential sale of the horse arena, raising concerns about where events and riders will go next.

Aerospace Jobs: Airbus says it’s investing more than $82 million in Mobile projects, including upgrades to its U.S. manufacturing facility and a new Airbus Central Distribution Center slated to start in Q1 2027, with 50 new jobs and added solar and energy systems. Defense & Aviation Manufacturing: The U.S. Army is moving ahead with Flight School Next by outsourcing initial helicopter pilot training to M1 Support Services at Fort Rucker, using Robinson R66 helicopters, while also posting a sources-sought notice for production of the T901-GE-900 turboshaft engine for Black Hawk and Apache replacements. Data Center Governance: Westover, Ala. is delaying a proposed six-month data center moratorium vote after residents raised concerns about power and water impacts; a town hall is set for Aug. 20. Infrastructure & Logistics: The Alabama Toll Road, Bridge and Tunnel Authority approved bonds and tolls tied to the $3.2 billion Mobile River Bridge and Bayway Project, and Amtrak’s Gulf Coast “Mardi Gras” route is seeing strong ridership growth alongside heightened attention to deadly rail crossing safety. Workforce & Small Business: A free small business support session is planned Aug. 20 in Newbern, offering one-on-one help with planning and growth, and Alabama Community College System updates workforce allocations. Health & Nutrition Research: UAB researchers report that vitamin B12 deficiency can impair muscle energy production in a study published in The Journal of Nutrition, adding to evidence linking low B12 to weakness and frailty.

Mobile River Bridge & Bayway: Alabama’s Toll Road, Bridge and Tunnel Authority approved financing for the $3.2 billion Mobile River Bridge and Bayway Project, clearing the way for bond sales, a TIFIA loan, and design-build authorization after financial closing in mid-September; officials still target an October start. Local Data Center Control: State Sen. Arthur Orr backed giving local governments more say on data center siting, pointing to community concerns near Somerville, while Roanoke leaders weigh a year-long moratorium after hearing about a potential $45 million proposal and citing power and water limits. Workforce & Innovation: DeKalb Works earned an Innovate Alabama Network designation to expand talent attraction and workforce development, building on the county’s manufacturing and rail-era roots. Defense Industry: Boeing won a $636.1 million Army contract modification for Apache airframe component repair and supply chain support, pushing the total contract value past $1.1 billion. Energy Prices: GasBuddy reported Alabama fuel easing in the week ending Aug. 8, with Montgomery regular hitting $3.36 and Jefferson County midgrade at $3.69. Health Research: UAB researchers linked vitamin B12 deficiency to reduced muscle energy production and DNA errors in mice, adding to evidence connecting low B12 with weakness and frailty.

Transportation Infrastructure: Alabama’s Toll Road, Bridge and Tunnel Authority approved financing and toll policy for the $3.2 billion Mobile River Bridge and Bayway Project, with construction expected to start in October and a phased plan aimed at bringing costs down. Advanced Manufacturing: Italian aluminum die casting supplier 2A USA is investing $32 million to expand its Auburn facility, adding 50 jobs and boosting capacity for complex aluminum components. Defense & Aerospace Supply Chain: Boeing won a $636.1 million Army contract modification to repair and support Apache airframe components, pushing the underlying value past $1.1 billion. Workforce Development: DeKalb Works earned an Innovate Alabama Network designation to launch talent attraction and workforce programs in DeKalb County. Local Industry & Growth Planning: Brookwood set a Sept. 1 meeting to discuss proposed Industrial Parkway data center projects, with limited public speaking slots for residents first. Energy/Logistics (Work on the Ground): ALDOT is resurfacing and improving US-280 in Alexander City, with lane closures and safety-focused access management expected to finish by summer 2027. Workforce Education: UA hosted a Biology Boot Camp for incoming students to help them transition into lab-focused biology careers.

Aviation Safety Watch: Six months after the NTSB’s final recommendations following the deadly Reagan National Airport crash, 51 of 52 safety recommendations are still open, with families pressing for faster, clearer action. Road & Logistics: ALDOT is moving ahead with US-280 resurfacing and access changes in Alexander City, including guardrails, drainage upgrades, and lane-configuration work aimed at reducing driver decision points by summer 2027. Workforce & Training: Alabama’s workforce push highlights new skills pipelines, including J.F. Ingram State Technical College expanding training for incarcerated students via an ISTC Workforce Academy. Local Industry Growth: West Alabama Ready Mix cut the ribbon on a new Jasper facility, a major investment that expands concrete capacity in Walker County. Defense & Manufacturing: Huntsville-based Kord/KBR demonstrated FIREFLY, a truck-mounted laser system that can detect, track, and disable drones in seconds. Military Aviation Contract: The U.S. Army selected M1 Support Services for Flight School Next at Fort Rucker, shifting helicopter pilot training to a contractor-operated model using the Robinson R66. Food Safety: Taylor Farms expanded a jalapeño recall tied to salmonella, with updated notices covering more retailers and products. Energy/Tech: Somerville residents say they’ve traced a proposed Bitcoin mining center through corporate records to Texas-linked entities, raising transparency concerns.

Defense & Tech in Huntsville: Davidson and Strangeworks plan a quantum-enabled optimization proof of concept aimed at improving defense mission planning, logistics, and resource allocation. Space & Missile Defense: U.S. Space Command is pushing offensive anti-satellite capabilities higher on its priority list as China and Russia expand counterspace options; separately, Lockheed Martin will build new Configuration 3 THAAD launchers for the UAE under a $211.4M Missile Defense Agency modification. Rural Health Pressure: A new look at rural hospitals highlights how federal investment helped build capacity, but today many facilities face collapsing finances and shrinking reimbursements. Alabama Economy & Seniors: AARP Alabama marks Social Security’s 91st anniversary, stressing its role as a major economic engine for the state. Energy Costs (Gas Prices): GasBuddy reports show premium prices dipping in parts of Alabama, including a low of $4.03 in Marshall County for the week ending Aug. 8. Wildlife Policy: Sen. Katie Britt was named Alabama Wildlife Federation’s Legislative Conservationist of the Year for conservation and natural resource work. Healthcare at Home: Memorial Hermann and DASCO formed a joint venture to expand home medical equipment services. Food Safety: The jalapeño-linked Salmonella recall expands into grocery aisles, with Whole Foods among retailers affected. Workforce/Industry: Alabama’s community colleges are set to become first hubs in a statewide fiber network rollout.

Defense & Space: U.S. Space Command is expanding its Alabama footprint as SPACECOM personnel move into Redstone Arsenal while a permanent headquarters is built, with “space fires” (including lasers) framed as both a threat and a resource. Missile Defense Funding: Golden Dome’s next funding tranche is in doubt after it was cut from a stalled Senate package, putting the 2027 timeline at risk. Shipbuilding Policy: Trump’s “Finland Model” memo would let foreign shipbuilders build up to two ships at home while investing in U.S. shipyards—potentially boosting Hanwha’s position in the Austal USA race. Alabama Manufacturing & Jobs: 2A USA plans a $32M Auburn expansion tied to 50 new jobs. Agriculture Tech: HudsonAlpha Wiregrass’ TRIALS program is placing imaging-guided soil and input trials on local farms at no cost. Broadband: Alabama’s community colleges are getting first high-speed fiber links, with all 24 targeted by end of 2027. Education & Innovation: Alabama A&M was named a USPTO innovation ecosystem partner, adding a campus Community Engagement Office for IP and commercialization support. Local Infrastructure: Dallas County signed a $27M contract to fully rebuild its tornado-damaged jail, aiming to start construction as early as September. Energy Prices: GasBuddy reports Alabama regular gas averaging $3.65 for the week ending Aug. 8, with Mobile County’s low at $3.22.

Energy Prices Watch: GasBuddy reports Lawrence County’s lowest midgrade price at $3.75 (week ending Aug. 8), with Alabama’s midgrade average at $4.14 as national fuel prices tick back up. Retail & Food Safety: Taylor Farms expands its jalapeño-linked salmonella recall, pulling products sold at Trader Joe’s, Walmart, Target and more after 345 reported illnesses. Workforce & Training: Alabama Community College System approved up to $10M in Industry Certification Initiative Fund allocations for 2026-2027, including existing industry training grants for employer upskilling. Space & Defense in Alabama: At Huntsville’s Space & Missile Defense Symposium, U.S. Space Command leaders pushed for “integrated space fires,” while Collins Aerospace won a up-to-$472M Army contract to modernize CH-47 Chinook avionics. Local Growth: Cullman City Council approved a $58M, 156,000-square-foot shopping center plan expected to bring 15–20 new businesses. Data Center Backlash: Doug Jones renewed calls for a one-year data center moratorium in Lowndes County, arguing for transparency and public economic impact studies before new builds.

Defense & Manufacturing: Raytheon won a $745M Pentagon contract to produce and maintain SM-3 Block IIA missile interceptors, with production at Tucson and Huntsville and a Huntsville integration push. Counter-Drone Push: The Pentagon is coordinating with DHS and the FAA to speed deployment of laser and counter-UAS tech, aiming to close regulatory gaps that slow air-defense responses. Army Air Defense: U.S. Army leaders say they’re working on longer-term ways to “defend the defenders” as air-defense units face drone-heavy threats. Space & Missile Shield Funding: Golden Dome’s director warned the program could halt if Congress doesn’t resolve a looming budget issue. Alabama Broadband: Alabama community colleges are set to link to a statewide fiber network by end of 2027, targeting rural connectivity and workforce training. Jobs & Advanced Manufacturing: Gov. Kay Ivey announced 2A USA’s $32M Auburn expansion, adding 50 jobs in aluminum die casting for heavy trucks. Food & Agriculture: Alabama reports 106 cyclosporiasis cases; officials and a local lettuce farmer urge buying local produce. Public Health Recall: A major jalapeño-linked Salmonella recall has expanded to hundreds sickened, hitting major retailers including Trader Joe’s and Walmart. Workforce Hiring: EAMC and Goodwill are hosting a hiring event in Opelika with openings across healthcare and support roles. Local Business/Community: PeoplesSouth appears to be moving into Bass Road, adding another bank presence to the corridor. Legal/Compliance: Continental Aerospace Technologies agreed to pay about $11.8M to settle alleged false PPP loan claims. Cyber/Health Research: UAB researchers report B12 deficiency can impair muscle mitochondria energy production, linking nutrient shortfalls to weakness and frailty.

Defense & Aerospace: Lockheed Martin says it cleared a key burst test milestone for its Courtland-built Next Generation Interceptor, while L3Harris completed a full-duration hot-fire of NGI stage-two propulsion—both moves push the program toward later testing and a planned 2030 fielding. Missile Defense Funding Watch: Space Force Gen. Michael Guetlein warned Golden Dome could halt in October if Congress doesn’t pass a second reconciliation bill, putting Huntsville’s missile-defense roadmap at risk. Advanced Manufacturing: 2A USA announced a $32M Auburn expansion creating 50 jobs for aluminum die casting and machining. Industrial Growth in Alabama: Brookwood’s planning process advanced a second major data-center proposal, with annexing and rezoning recommendations now headed to the city council. Workforce & Skills: Alabama leaders highlighted the state’s growing need for skilled workers as employers expand across construction, manufacturing, logistics, utilities, and healthcare. Agriculture: North Alabama farmers report a generally strong growing season, but fertilizer costs and trade uncertainty are squeezing budgets; Alabama Extension also flagged the cotton jassid’s return. Food Safety & Compliance: FDA inspections in Alabama Q2 hit 24 food and cosmetics companies, with Rice and Company, Inc. receiving the most citations. Local Business: RNR Tire Express signed to debut in Huntsville under a franchise agreement, targeting a fall 2027 opening.

Defense & Shipbuilding: Hanwha’s U.S. push is widening again—Hanwha Defense USA is offering to pay more than $1B for Austal USA’s Mobile, Alabama shipbuilding footprint plus a San Diego repair site, aiming to expand capacity tied to Navy nuclear submarine supply work. Golden Dome: Huntsville officials say the Golden Dome command-and-control layer could eventually migrate to deployed forces overseas, but budget uncertainty could still stall parts of the missile defense shield. Food Safety: Taylor Farms’ jalapeño-related salmonella recall keeps expanding across major retailers, adding more products and states as investigators trace the likely source to imported jalapeños. Workforce & Education: Birmingham City Council approved $3.5M to expand early childhood education and literacy through the Small Magic word-counting program. Health Research: A new study links vitamin B12 deficiency to weaker muscle energy production and more mitochondrial DNA errors, reinforcing the role of steady nutrition for aging adults. Local Public Safety: VoltCore has started utility work for a planned Bitcoin mining site in Somerville despite a county moratorium, with residents raising environmental and livelihood concerns. Politics (Alabama): Ammie Akin won the GOP nomination for Alabama’s 7th Congressional District, setting up a general election challenge to Rep. Terri Sewell.

Critical Minerals & Manufacturing: EXIM approved a $25 million loan for Westwater Resources’ Kellyton Graphite Plant in Coosa County, backing construction and equipment to strengthen U.S. battery and tech supply chains. Defense & Aerospace: Raytheon won a $745 million SM-3 Block IIA contract for production and sustainment, with Huntsville tied to expanded interceptor capacity; Lockheed and L3Harris also cleared a key NGI second-stage solid rocket motor test, while Lockheed tapped Albany Engineered Composites for a low-cost hypersonic aeroshell. Food Safety: Taylor Fresh Foods expanded a jalapeño-linked Salmonella recall to products sold in 26 states, including Alabama, after Coast Citrus Distributors’ jalapeños triggered downstream recalls. Local Business & Retail: Tractor Supply’s Petsense unit will close 74 stores after “negative four-wall cashflow,” with wind-down over 7–9 weeks. Community & Education: Jasper City Schools opened a new Pre-K Center, doubling capacity with four classrooms, and Gulf Shores opened a $137 million, 287,000-square-foot high school. Tech & Community Impact: Meta launched a $1 billion fund for data-center host communities, including Montgomery, aimed at local priorities like schools, first responders, and energy/water infrastructure. Agriculture Watch: Alabama Cooperative Extension will share updates on the cotton jassid’s spread and what growers should expect next in the season.

Defense & Shipbuilding: Hanwha is moving fast to buy Austal USA, with a preliminary offer reported at $1.05B–$1.2B for the Mobile-based shipbuilder that supports U.S. Navy and Coast Guard work, setting up due diligence and regulatory review. Energy & Nuclear: Rep. Dale Strong is pushing TVA to revive the long-abandoned Bellefonte Nuclear Plant for possible small modular reactor development. Critical Minerals: Ex-Im Bank is set to lend $58M tied to U.S. critical-mineral supply chains, including a $25M loan for Westwater’s Alabama graphite mine. Space & Missile Defense: Huntsville’s space and missile defense symposium is drawing thousands, while L3Harris says it completed a successful hot-fire test for the Next Generation Interceptor program. Healthcare Innovation: UAB startup LifeNuclear is rolling out TheraGuide, a digital platform to help patients follow radiation safety instructions after radiopharmaceutical therapy. Local Industry & Environment: Brookwood’s data center permit is drawing fresh pollution and waterways concerns ahead of a zoning meeting. Food Safety: Taylor Farms recalls jalapeño products tied to salmonella risk, with impacts reported across multiple states and major retailers. Elections: Alabama’s special primary in the redrawn 2nd District is set to pick nominees that could shape the House balance.

Defense & Manufacturing: Raytheon won a $745.39M Missile Defense Agency award to produce and assemble SM-3 Block IIA interceptors for the U.S. and Japan, with work in Tucson and Huntsville. Defense Tech in Alabama: Duotech Services cut the ribbon on a new 25,000-square-foot Huntsville facility, investing $4M and targeting 50 quality jobs for missile and missile-defense electronic repair and sustainment. Healthcare Workforce: Alabama opens the Alabama School of Healthcare Sciences as a residential specialty high school, starting Aug. 13 with classes at the University of West Alabama while a Demopolis campus is built. Food Safety: Taylor Farms expanded a jalapeño-linked salmonella recall to prepared foods sold at major retailers across 26 states, including Alabama; “Best If Used By” dates run through Aug. 16. Agriculture: Alabama Cooperative Extension and UGA specialists are tracking a cotton jassid update after new detections in the region. Local Growth & Construction: Sports Illustrated Resorts secured a $10.9M building permit in Tuscaloosa for a 2028 opening. Community & Jobs: Duotech’s Huntsville expansion and Lee County’s Dixon family recognition highlight Alabama’s ongoing push in defense manufacturing and agriculture.