Federal-state-county-city cooperation prepares area for Space Command’s arrival

HUNTSVILLE — From Dr. Wernher von Braun and his rocket team to the space program’s growth to the Base Realignment And Closure moves to the most recent FBI expansion on Redstone Arsenal, Huntsville has a long history of welcoming major military-related moves.

With Tuesday’s announcement of the U.S. Space Command moving its headquarters here, the Huntsville, Madison County and Limestone County area is well-prepared.

“City, county, state, and federal partners have worked side by side to prepare for this opportunity,” said Madison County Commission Chairman Mac McCutcheon. “Now, we’re ready to welcome Space Command and help facilitate its long-term success.”

Huntsville’s history of relocating major federal agencies to Redstone – including Army Materiel Command, Army Aviation and key FBI operations – validates its capability to manage this transition. With 65 federal agencies already based there, the region offers unmatched experience and mission support.

“Our community has a proven track record of supporting the Department of Defense when they have moved key functions and stood up new operations,” said Chip Cherry, CEO of the Huntsville/Madison County Chamber of Commerce. “We will use that experience to support the personnel associated with Space Command and their families as they relocate to the Huntsville region.”

Huntsville has invested heavily to ensure mission readiness, including:

• $400+ million in completed transportation improvements, with $250+ million in active construction projects 
• $600 million in K–12 school enhancements to support growing families 
• $200+ million in healthcare expansions, including upgrades at Huntsville Hospital 
• Over $150 million invested in quality-of-life improvements: recreation and community complexes, parks and greenways 
• Key Redstone-related projects include: 
• Completed: Zierdt Road improvements; widening Research Park Boulevard 
• Under construction: I-565 widening to I-65; Martin Road widening (Gate 7 to Huntsville International Airport) 
• In design: Resolute Way (connecting I-565 to Gate 9/Redstone Gateway Park); Arsenal East Connector (linking I-565 to proposed Redstone Gate near Triana Blvd) 

“These investments reflect years of long-range planning to prepare our city for future growth,” Huntsville Mayor Battle said. They demonstrate Huntsville’s commitment to being mission-ready from day one.”

While the thousands of coming jobs will be on Redstone, the move will also have a tremendous economic ripple effect throughout the metro area.

“As the fastest-growing county in Alabama, Limestone County is perfectly positioned to support this expansion, offering quality workforce development, excellent infrastructure, and the community support these service members and their families deserve,” said Beth Shockney, president and CEO of the Limestone County Economic Development Association. “Our region has successfully executed similar major relocations before, and that experience will serve us well as we welcome Space Command to the Tennessee Valley.”