Chamber leaders on mission in D.C.

Huntsville officials to lobby for NASA work, Redstone

Sunday, May 02, 2004

By JOHN PECK

Times Staff Writer jpeck@htimes.com

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Huntsville-area leaders descended on Washington today, armed with a list of projects they'll lobby for and a mission to protect Redstone Arsenal in the next round of military base closings.

The group, led by the Huntsville-Madison County Chamber of Commerce, includes 145 business, civic and political leaders from Huntsville, Madison, Decatur and surrounding communities.

Mike Ward, director of governmental affairs for the Huntsville chamber, said the turnout is impressive and should help get the attention of Army, NASA and congressional leaders.

"It's a tremendous showing of community support for these really critical issues we'll talk about,'' Ward said.

During the three-day trip, the group will schmooze with senators and representatives, network with congressional staffers and key executive branch officials, and hear briefings on transportation, space and defense programs crucial to North Alabama.

Events were to begin tonight with a welcome and orientation reception at Washington's Hyatt Regency Hotel.

Monday's agenda includes a full lineup of NASA, Army and economic development speakers capped by a congressional reception at the Dirksen Senate Office building. Tuesday's itinerary involves meetings on Capitol Hill with congressional members on committees with influence over Huntsville-area programs.

The Huntsville group plans to push for money for the proposed Southern Bypass through Huntsville, an extension of Interstate 565 east of Huntsville and west into Decatur, the Memphis-Huntsville-Atlanta freeway, and several cutting-edge space and defense programs.

Decatur leaders plan to lobby for an advanced training center for workers and an outer loop dubbed Veterans Parkway, said Jim Page, vice president of governmental affairs for the Decatur-Morgan County Chamber.

The training center would specialize in high-tech work force training. Decatur-area leaders will also lobby for policies and projects favorable to Decatur's heavy industrial base, as well as the Memphis-Huntsville-Atlanta freeway and west extension of I-565, Page said.

Ward said a heightened focus for the Huntsville-area group will be on "NASA opportunities'' such as Project Constellation, the planned development of the next generation of spaceships.

Ward said the group will also make a big pitch for money to complete the new control tower and runway improvements at Huntsville International Airport. The chamber members also will press for the Huntsville area to play a major role in research and development programs crucial to America's defense and homeland security.

Huntsville Mayor Loretta Spencer said meetings to protect Redstone from the Base Realignment And Closure Commission (BRAC) hit list next year will be high on her things to do while in Washington. "That along with the NASA pitch are the two most important things I'll want to deal with,'' she said.

Others on trip

Other elected officials on the trip include Madison Mayor Jan Wells, Madison County Commission Chairman Mike Gillespie and commissioners "Mo'' Brooks and Dale Strong; all five Huntsville City Council members: Glenn Watson, Sandra Moon, Bill Kling, Richard Showers and Mark Russell; Decatur Mayor Lynn Fowler; several Morgan County commissioners; state Sen. Jeff Enfinger, D-Huntsville; and state School Board member Dr. Mary Jane Caylor of Huntsville, who's running for mayor.



Chamber leaders on mission in D.C. Huntsville officials to lobby for NASA work, Redstone Sunday, May 02, 2004 By JOHN PECK Times Staff Writer jpeck@htimes.com WASHINGTON, D.C. - Huntsville-area leaders descended on Washington today, armed with a list of projects they'll lobby for and a mission to protect Redstone Arsenal in the next round of military base closings. The group, led by the Huntsville-Madison County Chamber of Commerce, includes 145 business, civic and political leaders from Huntsville, Madison, Decatur and surrounding communities. Mike Ward, director of governmental affairs for the Huntsville chamber, said the turnout is impressive and should help get the attention of Army, NASA and congressional leaders. "It's a tremendous showing of community support for these really critical issues we'll talk about,'' Ward said. During the three-day trip, the group will schmooze with senators and representatives, network with congressional staffers and key executive branch officials, and hear briefings on transportation, space and defense programs crucial to North Alabama. Events were to begin tonight with a welcome and orientation reception at Washington's Hyatt Regency Hotel. Monday's agenda includes a full lineup of NASA, Army and economic development speakers capped by a congressional reception at the Dirksen Senate Office building. Tuesday's itinerary involves meetings on Capitol Hill with congressional members on committees with influence over Huntsville-area programs. The Huntsville group plans to push for money for the proposed Southern Bypass through Huntsville, an extension of Interstate 565 east of Huntsville and west into Decatur, the Memphis-Huntsville-Atlanta freeway, and several cutting-edge space and defense programs. Decatur leaders plan to lobby for an advanced training center for workers and an outer loop dubbed Veterans Parkway, said Jim Page, vice president of governmental affairs for the Decatur-Morgan County Chamber. The training center would specialize in high-tech work force training. Decatur-area leaders will also lobby for policies and projects favorable to Decatur's heavy industrial base, as well as the Memphis-Huntsville-Atlanta freeway and west extension of I-565, Page said. Ward said a heightened focus for the Huntsville-area group will be on "NASA opportunities'' such as Project Constellation, the planned development of the next generation of spaceships. Ward said the group will also make a big pitch for money to complete the new control tower and runway improvements at Huntsville International Airport. The chamber members also will press for the Huntsville area to play a major role in research and development programs crucial to America's defense and homeland security. Huntsville Mayor Loretta Spencer said meetings to protect Redstone from the Base Realignment And Closure Commission (BRAC) hit list next year will be high on her things to do while in Washington. "That along with the NASA pitch are the two most important things I'll want to deal with,'' she said. Others on trip Other elected officials on the trip include Madison Mayor Jan Wells, Madison County Commission Chairman Mike Gillespie and commissioners "Mo'' Brooks and Dale Strong; all five Huntsville City Council members: Glenn Watson, Sandra Moon, Bill Kling, Richard Showers and Mark Russell; Decatur Mayor Lynn Fowler; several Morgan County commissioners; state Sen. Jeff Enfinger, D-Huntsville; and state School Board member Dr. Mary Jane Caylor of Huntsville, who's running for mayor. Copyright 2004 al.com. All Rights Reserved.