Last Updated:August 03. 2007 11:00PM
Published: August 04. 2007 3:30AM

The Shoals Industrial Development Committee began its tenure Friday as the oversight committee of proceeds from a half-cent sales tax for economic development.

The committee, which was established by the Alabama Legislature, is made up of elected officials from Colbert and Lauderdale counties. The committee is tasked with approving all expenditures from the economic development fund.

The half-cent sales tax increase went into effect Aug. 1, and is expected to generate at least $6 million per year for economic development.

During Friday's meeting, members adopted bylaws and handled general organizational procedures.

Florence Mayor Bobby Irons was selected chairman, while Colbert County Commission Chairman Troy Woodis was selected vice chairman. Tuscumbia Mayor Bill Shoemaker was elected as secretary and Muscle Shoals attorney Jimmy Hughston is legal counsel.

"It's an honor to be asked to chair this committee," Irons said. "This is an exciting time to be in the Shoals area.

"We're on the verge of something special here. And it would not be possible without our local folks (elected officials). They came together working with our state and federal elected officials to make this happen."

The half-cent sales tax is helping to fund local incentives that were used in getting National Alabama, a railcar company, to locate at Barton Riverfront Industrial Park. Company officials said the plant will employ 1,800 workers.

Woodis said the Shoals Industrial Development Committee will meet quarterly unless there is a special called meeting.

The next meeting will be Sept. 20 at 10 a.m. at the Shoals Economic Department Authority office.

Tom Smith can be reached at 740-5757 or tom.smith@timesdaily.com.