LAUDERDALE CO., Ala. (WAFF) – Local officials in the Shoals region have approved funding for economic development initiatives that leverage two key regional advantages: musical heritage and the Tennessee River. Kevin Jackson, president of the Shoals Economic Development Authority, emphasized the importance of cultivating both the local economy and workforce for future generations of artists. The Shoals Industrial Development Committee has given the green light to two incentive programs designed to attract individuals and businesses to the area. These programs aim to stimulate local economic activity through various means including hiring local musicians, producers, and engineers, as well as utilizing local equipment rentals and accommodations. One initiative, called “Shoals Music Makers,” offers musicians recording in the area up to a 30 percent rebate on their recording budgets. With an upcoming state-level music incentive program, artists could potentially receive combined reimbursements approaching 65 percent. Jackson explained that building upon the region’s rich musical history is crucial for maintaining its cultural legacy. Another program, “Remote Shoals,” provides financial incentives for remote workers relocating to Colbert or Lauderdale County, although it is currently being phased out gradually. This initiative has already brought significant economic benefits through housing purchases and rentals, with 147 individuals relocating to the area. In addition to these programs, officials have approved a $70,000 study to explore the feasibility of establishing a port in Colbert County. This study will involve engineering assessments to determine optimal locations, potential designs, and cost estimates, which will help secure property rights and funding sources. Jackson believes that developing a port would significantly enhance the appeal of the Barton Area Industrial Park to prospective businesses, expressing enthusiasm about the region’s anticipated growth over the coming years.
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LAUDERDALE CO., Ala. (WAFF) – Shoals leaders say they want to use their two biggest assets to drive the local economic engine: music and the Tennessee River.
“Continue to grow that economy and that workforce into the next generation of artists,” Shoals Economic Development Authority President Kevin Jackson said.
Funding was approved for the Shoals Economic Development Authority’s (SEDA) two incentive programs created to attract people to the Shoals area. The Shoals Industrial Development Committee (SIDC) gathers to hear the agenda from SEDA and then decides whether or not to approve funding.
“They’re spending their money while they’re here,” SEDA President Kevin Jackson said. “They’re hiring local session musicians. Hiring local producers, local engineers. Renting local equipment. Staying in local hotels, local Airbnbs. Eating in local restaurants.”
“Shoals Music Makers” is a program meant to keep the Shoals music scene thriving by giving musicians who record here up to 30 percent back on their recording budgets. On top of that, Jackson says that the state is rolling out a music incentive soon as well that musicians will be able to stack on to the Shoals one. They could ultimately end up with nearly 65 percent reimbursement.
Jackson says with the history of music in the Shoals area, they had to build off of it to keep it alive.
“We want to grow that catalog into the next generation and keep that legacy alive,” Jackson said. “Keep the dreams of musicians alive and keep the sound of the Shoals alive.”
There is also the second incentive program called Remote Shoals. It is meant to pay people to move to either Colbert or Lauderdale County if they work remotely. Even though they are slowly rolling it back and phasing it out, it has pumped a lot of money into the area from people buying homes, renting homes and more.
147 people relocated through the program.
And a new economic adventure, leaders want to add a port in Colbert County.
They approved a study that would bring in an engineering team and lead to estimated costs, a few designs and what location might be best for a potential port. The study will cost $70,000.
“To assist potential future industry growth in the area that would necessitate that, and that report is just to go look at some sites, look at some designs, and come up with some estimated costs so we can go after property rights and funding sources,” Jackson explained.
Leaders say they are confident a new port would make the Barton are Industrial Park much more attractive to companies looking for a new home. Jackson also added that he is very excited to see the growth of the Barton area in the next few years.
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