Alabama lands German steel mill project

Alabama has won out over Louisiana in the high-stakes competition for a 2,700-employee steel mill plant that will be built by ThyssenKrupp AG of Germany for $3.7 billion.

The state has also earmarked $900 million worth of Gulf Opportunity Zone bonds authorized by Congress. Designed to spur economic development in Gulf Coast states affected by the 2005 hurricanes, the GO Zone Act allows states to pass on government-rate, tax-free bonding authority to private industry. More >

State Treasurer Sees A Bright Future For South Mississippi

Mississippi Treasurer Tate Reeves admits Katrina's landfall created a financial burden for the coast. Two years later, he says state's economy is making a remarkable rebound.

"We have to create jobs, but just not any jobs, jobs that have wages much higher than Mississippi rates right now. And the coast is going to be a leader in that area."

Reeves says he also wants to see more affordable, permanent housing offered, and insurance rates that don't break everyone's budgets. More >

Builder Celebrates Business Growth In Long Beach

There was a celebration Monday for the first, new commercial building to open in Long Beach since Hurricane Katrina. J. Levens Builders hosted a ribbon cutting and open house for its facility at the Long Beach Industrial Park.

Jimmy Levens invested $6 million in the development. The building houses Levens' construction company, which employs 90 people. He is also leasing space to the "Science Applications International Corporation," which will create 50 jobs. More >

Real Development in the GO Zone

Realtex Development’s goal is to construct up to 10 developments in affected areas in Mississippi. Realtex Development was the first company to break ground on a new construction project in the Gulf Opportunity (GO) Zone, according to President Rick Deyoe. Sunset Way Apartments in Port Arthur, Texas, broke ground in July 2006.
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