U.S. Sen. Katie Britt (R-Montgomery) is celebrating a $15 million federal award for HudsonAlpha that could expand rural manufacturing, farm revenue and scientific innovation across Alabama.
The National Science Foundation selected the Huntsville-based HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology to lead the Biobased Rural Innovation for Domestic Growth and Economic Security Engine, known as BRIDGES.
The Alabama-Tennessee partnership was one of 12 Regional Innovation Engines selected nationwide. Each team will initially receive $15 million over two years and could receive up to $160 million over the next decade if it meets federal performance benchmarks.
“I am thrilled to see the National Science Foundation’s $15 million investment in Alabama’s rural communities and manufacturing and agricultural industries,” Britt said.
“HudsonAlpha’s groundbreaking initiative will create thousands of jobs and generate millions in economic growth over the next several years.”
Britt led Alabama’s bipartisan congressional delegation in sending a letter supporting HudsonAlpha’s application before the award was announced.
The BRIDGES Engine will bring together Alabama’s agricultural, biotechnology and manufacturing sectors to develop plant-based materials for industries including automotive manufacturing, construction and packaging.
The goal is to replace some petroleum-based products with materials produced from crops grown in Alabama and Tennessee, creating additional markets for farmers while building domestic manufacturing supply chains.
HudsonAlpha will lead a coalition that includes Auburn University, the University of Tennessee, Volkswagen Group of America, AGgrow Tech and more than 80 other organizations.
Project leaders estimate the initiative could generate at least $7.3 billion in regional economic activity over 20 years.
The initiative is also projected to produce more than $30 million in annual farm revenue, support approximately 4,000 rural manufacturing jobs and generate about $280 million in annual income for Alabama’s rural workforce. Those figures are projections from the project’s supporters rather than guaranteed outcomes.
Britt said the award reflects Alabama’s strength in agriculture, manufacturing and scientific research.
“This award from NSF underscores Alabama’s position as a national leader in agricultural dominance and scientific innovation leadership,” she said. “I look forward to seeing how these transformative efforts showcase the very best of our rural communities while delivering lasting economic opportunity throughout the state.”
The NSF Engines program supports regional partnerships intended to turn scientific research into new products, businesses, skilled jobs and economic growth in areas that have not fully participated in previous technology booms.
Sawyer Knowles is a state and political reporter for Yellowhammer News. You may contact him at [email protected].
