Go Zone deadline extended

Federal and state representatives and officials with National Alabama agreed Friday to extend the deadline to classify Colbert County as a hurricane-damaged area, which would mean cheaper financing for the new plant.

U.S. Rep. Bud Cramer, D-Alabama, Gov. Bob Riley and Greg Aiz, chairman and CEO of National Steel Car Ltd., of Canada, the parent company of National Alabama, met at the Muscle Shoals Regional Airport on Friday afternoon to discuss the process for the county to meet eligibility for federal Go Zone Opportunity Funds.

Alabama has been authorized to receive $2.1 billion for the hurricane-damaged areas of southwest and west Alabama. The federal funds, which have cheaper financing because of tax implications, is designated for companies that are opening and creating jobs in the affected areas. More >