The City of Jasper welcomed Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs (ADECA) Director Kenneth Boswell and Deputy Director Ashley Toole on Monday for a comprehensive visit focused on strengthening infrastructure, advancing workforce development initiatives, and supporting long-term economic growth throughout the region.
City leadership engaged with ADECA representatives to review Jasper’s current industrial infrastructure needs, discuss upcoming development opportunities, and highlight the region’s progress on major workforce and training initiatives. As part of the visit, officials also emphasized the critical role of local education partners, including Jasper City Schools, Walker County Schools, and Bevill State Community College, all of which contribute to a strong talent pipeline that supports existing industries and prepares students for high-demand careers in Alabama. The visit included time at the Alabama Energy Infrastructure Training Center and the Heman Drummond Center of Innovation, two facilities positioned to enhance training opportunities for students and adults across the region.
ADECA officials also gained an overview of key roadway and infrastructure priorities that serve Jasper’s industrial corridors and development-ready areas. These transportation routes connect major employers, link to rail and future development sites, and provide essential access into Jasper from I-22.
There is more than $100 million in current investment taking place within this growing innovation corridor, with additional growth expected as new and expanding industries consider opportunities in Jasper and Walker County. City leaders estimate that improvements in these areas support more than 400 existing jobs, with the potential for further job creation tied to long-term development.
Mayor Josh Gates underscored the significance of the visit and the strong collaboration underway across multiple sectors and levels of government. “Meaningful progress is taking place in Jasper and across our region, and it is encouraging to have strong support from our partners at the state level. Conversations like today’s demonstrate our shared commitment to improving infrastructure, expanding workforce opportunities, and preparing our community for continued growth. The momentum we are seeing is the product of cooperation, and we are grateful for the support that helps move these initiatives forward,” stated Mayor Gates.
The City of Jasper appreciates the ongoing support of Alabama Senator Matt Woods (District 5), Alabama Representative Greg Barnes (District 13), Congressman Robert Aderholt, Senator Tommy Tuberville, Senator Katie Britt, and Secretary Greg Reed, Alabama Department of Workforce.
“Community visits are great opportunities for us to listen and learn about local goals and needs and to see projects firsthand,” Director Boswell said. “It was a pleasure to visit with Mayor Gates, Senator Woods, and other local leaders to learn more about the great progress being made in Jasper and Walker County.”
“We are entering a time of tremendous growth in the City of Jasper that will enhance the region for decades to come. I am fully supportive of the workforce development opportunities at the Heman Drummond Center of Innovation and the Bevill State Energy Infrastructure Training Center. I appreciate ADECA Director Boswell visiting multiple project sites that will improve access along Industrial Drive. We are going to have the most robust workforce training corridor in the entire state, and our surrounding infrastructure must be upgraded to accommodate the level of activity that is about to take place,” commented Alabama Senator Matt Woods, District 5.
The visit reinforced the unified efforts of state agencies, local leadership, industry partners, and community organizations as Jasper continues building a strong foundation for future development, enhanced workforce training, and sustained economic opportunity.
For more information about the City of Jasper, visit jaspercity.com.
For media inquiries, please contact Tana Collins-Allred, Director of Community and Economic Development for the City of Jasper, at 904.383.2082 or tcollins@jaspercity.com.
