$200 million Von Braun Center expansion among new infrastructure projects now in the works for Huntsville

The City of Huntsville approved five new road/greenway projects last week, and proposed a tax increment financing (TIF) district, known as TIF 9, that would fund some more major downtown infrastructure projects.

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Action on TIF district, Von Braun Center + road projects

The Huntsville City Council approved multiple roadway and improvement projects to enhance connectivity, ease congestion and improve multimodal transportation options for residents at its meeting last week.

The approved projects include:

• A $134,984 design contract with 2 The Point for a Jackson Bend connector with Haysland Road.
• A $3,064,650 construction contract awarded to Rogers Group for 1.5 miles of a new three-lane curb-and-gutter roadway near County Line Road and Old Highway 20.
• A $3,951,000 construction contract awarded to Grayson Carter & Son for 3,600 feet of new three-lane roadway between Garth Road and Dotson Drive.
• A $149,521 design contract with Three Notch Group for the Bailey Cove multi-use path between Weatherly Road and Four Mile Post, improving pedestrian and cyclist access to Aldridge Creek.
• Two utility relocation agreements along Winchester Road between Dominion and Naugher Road totaling $9,456,120.77 to support future roadway improvements.

Additionally, the Council proposed a $220 million TIF that would support expansion of the Von Braun Center, improvements tied to Huntsville City Schools and other public improvement projects across downtown and north Huntsville.

It will provide approximately $200 million for expansion of the Von Braun Center and $20 million for four other projects. By law, the infrastructure projects would be implemented within five years.

A tax increment financing district allows a city to fund infrastructure improvements using future growth in property tax revenue generated by new development within the district.

Officials emphasized that a TIF does not increase property tax rates and does not reduce existing tax revenues currently going to the city, Madison County, or public schools.

The proposal includes:

• Von Braun Center: Construction of more than 100,000 square feet of new event and exhibit space similar in size to South Hall, along with new meeting rooms, conference and exhibit space, upgraded parking and other improvements
• North Huntsville Beltline Greenway: Design and construction, including right-of-way acquisition along with amenities such as lighting, landscape, hardscape and safety equipment.
• New Mill Creek Park (Choice Neighborhood Redevelopment): Design and construction of a new public park as part of the Mill Creek project, enclosing a drainage channel, installing park equipment and adding landscaping and lighting.
• Lowe Avenue: Road and pedestrian upgrades to support increased traffic and the planned relocation of Huntsville Junior High School.
• Renovations to former federal courthouse: Interior and ADA improvements to the historic Holmes Avenue building for future use by the Madison County Commission.

“These are key infrastructure projects that will provide significant benefits to our community, both in terms of economic opportunity and quality of life. The TIF is a proven, strategic financial tool the City has used to great success on multiple occasions.”

Mayor Tommy Battle

The City of Huntsville has used TIF districts since 2000 to help finance public infrastructure and redevelopment projects.

The City Council is expected to vote on the TIF at its June 11 meeting.

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