Sales tax bill goes to Senate

MONTGOMERY -- State Sen. Bobby Denton on Thursday introduced to the Senate economic development legislation designed to lure a major industry to northwest Alabama.

The legislation, if approved, authorizes the Colbert County and Lauderdale County commissions to increase the local sales tax by one-half percent to raise the local match required to lure an industry known as Project Tiger.

The third bill would create the Shoals Industrial Development Committee that would cooperate on industrial projects in the two counties.

The new organization would operate within the Shoals Economic Development Authority and would approve or reject economic development projects submitted by SEDA. The legislation also would reduce the SEDA board's membership from 24 to 16 and would provide a secure source of funding for the economic development agency.

"This is related to industrial development for Project Tiger and future projects and to fund SEDA itself,'' said Denton, D-Muscle Shoals.

Sen. Roger Bedford, D-Russellville, said he would sign the local legislation.

"I support that because we need these good-paying jobs in north Alabama,'' Bedford said.

The legislation will have to pass the Senate and House and then be considered by Gov. Bob Riley. Denton said he hopes political bickering in the Senate that has resulted in a virtual work stoppage will be put aside for important local legislation.

"This is getting ridiculous, holding up the process because of little old minor rules the majority adopted,'' Denton said. "If this session ends without this legislation, I hope we go immediately into special session.''

Denton said the sales tax would produce a combined $6 million annually and provide the Shoals' contribution to Project Tiger. Since the Honda automobile plant came to Talladega County in the late 1990s, local communities have provided funding for major industrial projects.

Denton said the legislation, sought by the commissions in both Colbert and Lauderdale counties, is essential for economic development.

"This is the financial package that would work,'' he said. "No where else would you get this kind of money. We feel certain this is going to be the final part of securing the large industry that has been looking at us for some time.''

Dana Beyerle can be reached at (334) 264-6605 or dtb12345@aol.com.