THE SHOALS-The Shoals Chamber of Commerce, the Shoals Economic Development Authority (SEDA) and the Northwest Alabama Council of Local Governments (NACOLG) released a comprehensive 2020 legislative agenda to address State and Federal issues this week.
The collective group presented the agenda to the Shoals delegation, which includes support for infrastructure projects that are vital to existing and developing businesses and industries in the Shoals and support for equitable funding for local counties, municipalities, and institutions of higher learning.
“This agenda is the result of hours of discussion with local officials, business leaders and Shoals citizens. We are proud to champion the issues laid out for the 2020 session and others of importance that come up throughout the year,” said Chamber President Caitlin Holland.
“This is the first year we’ve created a separate section entirely devoted to education,” said Jackie Hendrix, Shoals Chamber Legislative Affairs Chair. “This includes support of the University of North Alabama’s Project 208 and adequate funding for Northwest-Shoals Community College’s Workforce Development Center.”
The agenda also includes support at the State level for public transportation, improvement of broadband access, and adequate funding to ensure sustainable mental health programming for the region.
The Federal agenda includes the addition and/or revision of Opportunity Zones, the passage of the Rural Digital Opportunity Fund and support for the Northwest-Alabama Regional Airport through Essential Air Services.
“We take our role as an advocate for Shoals-area businesses very seriously and look forward to another productive Legislative Session,” added Holland. You can find the full 2020 Legislative Agenda endorsed by the Shoals Chamber, NACOLG and SEDA here.
