Recent $11 Million Grant to Broad Metro Highlights Economic Partnerships Between Business and State, Federal Government

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

January 12, 2026

Recent $11 Million Grant to Broad Metro Highlights Economic Partnerships Between Business and State, Federal Government

Hoover, Alabama - 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 Jonathan Belcher, CEO of Signature Homes. "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.

For more information on the AMLER Program and future funding opportunities, visit the Alabama Department of Workforce Abandoned Mine Lands Program website at adol.alabama.gov or the OSMRE site at osmre.gov.

About the Alabama Department of Workforce
The Alabama Department of Workforce (ADOW) oversees workforce development, labor inspections, and mining reclamation programs to support economic growth and community safety across the state.

About OSMRE
The Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement (OSMRE) is a bureau within the U.S. Department of the Interior, responsible for regulating surface coal mining and reclaiming abandoned mine lands to protect the environment and promote economic revitalization.

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