A lot of work to do

The Huntsville area will barely have time to catch its breath

Monday, July 03, 2006

Huntsville Times

Economic times are always uncertain in that we never really know what will happen. But if the future can be predicted at all, you need to look at the past and the present.

As for the Huntsville's economy in the years ahead, consider a series of recent events and announcements:

On Saturday the front page of The Huntsville Times brought the announcement that the European Aeronautic Defence and Space Co., will manage an American helicopter assembly program out of Huntsville. WestWind Technologies of Huntsville will provide engineering support.

The number of jobs to be created is not yet known, but the value of the EADS decision is worth a staggering $3 billion. Local employment related to the project is likely to involve high-paying positions. (The actual assembly of the 352 UH-145 helicopters will take place in Columbus, Miss.)

Local preparations for the defense jobs to be transferred to Redstone Arsenal from military base closings and realignments continue apace. The community recently received a $520,000 state grant for job-development efforts related to BRAC.

Estimates of the local population gain from BRAC vary, but all of them are significant, and they come amid reports that Huntsville and Madison together gained more than 12,000 people between 2000 and 2004.

In the context of what's already here and what's expected, the news represents almost an embarrassment of riches. Madison County's unemployment rate has repeatedly been less than 3 percent this year. The most daunting challenge may not be providing jobs but finding qualified people to fill them.

Encouraging realities are always bumping up against unfavorable and unfair perceptions. Even there, a number of things are working in the community's favor as individuals and firms thinking about locating here.

Huntsville Utilities' water system has been singled out for another major state award. Huntsville recently finished first in a national affordability index and was named one of the top 10 "green" cities in America.

Across the board

Anyone who thinks Huntsville is living on the accomplishments of the past need look no further than new construction: Bridge Street, Providence, the McMullen Cove residential development, the Embassy Suites Hotel, the Big Spring Summit office building and new corporate facilities in Research Park, name only a few, not to mention increased interest in redevelopment downtown and in the medical district.

The variety of arts and recreational opportunities available here has never been broader. And no longer do local shoppers have to leave town to find the merchandise they want.

Still, all this growth must be accommodated. Schools and roads present the biggest challenges. Alabama's economy is the strongest its ever been, but the burden for dealing with growth will fall mainly on the community itself.

We have a lot to look forward to - but a lot of work to do.

By John Ehinger, for the editorial board. E-mail: john.ehinger@htimes.com



A lot of work to do The Huntsville area will barely have time to catch its breath Monday, July 03, 2006 Huntsville Times Economic times are always uncertain in that we never really know what will happen. But if the future can be predicted at all, you need to look at the past and the present. As for the Huntsville's economy in the years ahead, consider a series of recent events and announcements: On Saturday the front page of The Huntsville Times brought the announcement that the European Aeronautic Defence and Space Co., will manage an American helicopter assembly program out of Huntsville. WestWind Technologies of Huntsville will provide engineering support. The number of jobs to be created is not yet known, but the value of the EADS decision is worth a staggering $3 billion. Local employment related to the project is likely to involve high-paying positions. (The actual assembly of the 352 UH-145 helicopters will take place in Columbus, Miss.) Local preparations for the defense jobs to be transferred to Redstone Arsenal from military base closings and realignments continue apace. The community recently received a $520,000 state grant for job-development efforts related to BRAC. Estimates of the local population gain from BRAC vary, but all of them are significant, and they come amid reports that Huntsville and Madison together gained more than 12,000 people between 2000 and 2004. In the context of what's already here and what's expected, the news represents almost an embarrassment of riches. Madison County's unemployment rate has repeatedly been less than 3 percent this year. The most daunting challenge may not be providing jobs but finding qualified people to fill them. Encouraging realities are always bumping up against unfavorable and unfair perceptions. Even there, a number of things are working in the community's favor as individuals and firms thinking about locating here. Huntsville Utilities' water system has been singled out for another major state award. Huntsville recently finished first in a national affordability index and was named one of the top 10 "green" cities in America. Across the board Anyone who thinks Huntsville is living on the accomplishments of the past need look no further than new construction: Bridge Street, Providence, the McMullen Cove residential development, the Embassy Suites Hotel, the Big Spring Summit office building and new corporate facilities in Research Park, name only a few, not to mention increased interest in redevelopment downtown and in the medical district. The variety of arts and recreational opportunities available here has never been broader. And no longer do local shoppers have to leave town to find the merchandise they want. Still, all this growth must be accommodated. Schools and roads present the biggest challenges. Alabama's economy is the strongest its ever been, but the burden for dealing with growth will fall mainly on the community itself. We have a lot to look forward to - but a lot of work to do. By John Ehinger, for the editorial board. E-mail: john.ehinger@htimes.com © 2006 The Huntsville Times © 2006 al.com All Rights Reserved.