As the U.S. House of Representatives takes its six-week recess, a member of Alabama’s congressional delegation is using the opportunity to hear from the local construction industry.
U.S. Rep. Jerry Carl (R-Mobile), as part of the Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) of Alabama’s hardhat tours, visited construction sites Monday to learn of the industry’s impact on the region.
“What a great morning learning more about commercial construction projects driving the economic engine of south Alabama,” said Carl. “I toured projects in Mobile and Baldwin County, and then I stopped by the Associated Builders and Contractors Academy of Craft Training to see firsthand how they are training our local workforce to meet the needs of industry right here in the district.”
In a visit to the Shops at Point Clear, a project of White-Spunner Construction, Carl discussed his efforts regarding immigration and workforce development.
The Point Clear construction site features an anchoring grocery store, which spans more than 48,000 square feet, includes a drive-thru pharmacy along with meat and fish counters and a restaurant-style balcony seating area. The grocery retailer is accompanied by 14 storefronts that total nearly 70,000 square feet of grocery and retail space.
The congressman, according to White-Spunner Construction, said he wanted to ensure immigration was offered in a safe and legal manner for the benefit of the local economy.
John White-Spunner, president and CEO of White-Spunner Construction, said the company was “proud to have Congressman Carl representing the Mobile area and the needs of the construction industry.”
“We look forward to his leadership for years to come.”
ABC of Alabama President Jay Reed touched on the needs of the association’s membership regarding the industry’s workforce shortage. The hardhat tours, said Reed, help elected officials gain an understanding of industry issues.
“These hardhat tours are a best-case scenario for boots on the ground regarding commercial construction’s impact on our state,” said Reed. “The workforce shortage particularly in the Mobile region is astounding and our membership wants us front and center, helping to ensure elected officials understand our needs.”
Carl also visited the job sites of the Fairhope Publix Shopping Center and the Alabama Department of Environmental Management Coastal Laboratory.
South Alabama’s commercial construction projects, according to Carl, act as a driver of economic activity for the region.
Dylan Smith is the editor of Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @DylanSmithAL