Huntsville's infrastructure ready for Space Command, officials say
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Just how many jobs Space Command will bring to Huntsville is yet to be determined, but officials say the city can handle all of them.
Why it matters: Growth brings growing pains, and officials fielded questions Tuesday on whether the city's infrastructure can handle a sudden influx of new residents and commuters.
Catch up quick: Reports estimate 4,700 jobs over the next five years are coming to the area due to the Space Command relocation.
By the numbers: Huntsville has invested nearly half a billion dollars in road projects in the last seven years, Mayor Tommy Battle told reporters Tuesday, and "most of those roads are roads that help us get people into the arsenal."
In a release, Huntsville says it has "invested heavily to ensure mission readiness," including:
- $400-plus million in completed transportation projects with $250-plus million in active construction projects
- $600 million in K-12 school enhancements
- $200-plus million in health care expansions, including at Huntsville Hospital
- $150 million in quality-of-life improvements like recreation and community complexes, parks and greenways
Zoom in: Specific to Redstone, the city also touted the completed Zierdt Road improvements and the Research Park Boulevard widening.
- Under construction is an effort to widen I-565 to I-65, and the Martin Road widening from Gate 7 to Huntsville International Airport.
- In design are projects to connect I-565 to Gate 9/Redstone Gateway Park, and the Arsenal East Connector linking I-565 to a proposed Redstone gate near Triana Boulevard.
What they're saying: TVA President and CEO Don Moul said in the release that "the need for resilient and reliable energy has never been greater," and that TVA is "ready for the growth and opportunities that lie ahead."
Context: A recently-opened road project, the Northern Bypass, is expected to make a dent in local traffic, especially on Memorial Parkway north of the city.
- U.S. Rep Dale Strong, who represents Huntsville and who was on hand to open the road last week, told reporters Tuesday that he's ready to move forward with future phases of that project, and to get started on others.
- "I want to do everything I can to bring every dollar back to North Alabama to ensure that Space Command is in a position to be successful," he said.