May 15, 2026
Separate sealed bids for Site Improvements and Infrastructure Upgrades to Moon Lake Village Main Building will be received by The Town of Mentone at the office of the town clerk until 2 p.m., CST, on Tuesday, May 26, 2026.
May 19, 2026
In accordance with 23 CFR 450 planning guidelines, the Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT) is required to review its consultation process with local officials every five years.
The process is in ALDOT’s Public Involvement Plan (PIP). Click here for the link to ALDOT website where the PIP is located.
TARCOG is assisting ALDOT by requesting feedback from local officials in DeKalb, Jackson, Limestone, Madison and Marshall counties. Comments on the effectiveness of the cooperative planning process should be submitted to ALDOT — no later than July 6, 2026.
Please submit comments to Ms. Toni M. Arrington, Office Engineer Bureau, by email at arringtont@dot.state.al.us or postal mail at 1409 Coliseum Blvd., Montgomery, AL 36110, .
If you have any questions, please call Ms. Arrington at 334-242-6085.
April 21, 2026
TAP FOR FY 2027
The Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT) is soliciting applications for the Transportation Alternatives Set-Aside Program (TAP) for FY 2027.
All applications must be submitted electronically no later than 5:00 pm on May 29, 2026.
Applications should he submitted using https://aldot.submittable.com/submit.
Please refer to the FY 2027 Transportation Alternative Set-Aside Guidelines and the FY 2027 Transportation Alternative Set-Aside Application for details about the program and the application submittal process. The guidelines and the application can both be found on the ALDOT website, https://www.dot.state.al.us/programs/TAP
The current deadline for application submittals and the subsequent announcement of project selections will allow sponsors to receive a notice of award before the start of the upcoming fiscal year. This will allow sponsors an opportunity to program the required matching funds into their upcoming fiscal year’s operating budgets.
If you should have any questions or comments, please feel free to contact the Local Transportation Bureau office at 334-242-6020 or your ALDOT Area Local Transportation Engineer.
SECTION 5310
Section 5310 Enhanced Mobility of Seniors and Individuals with Disabilities Program
The Local Transportation Bureau of the Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT) is now accepting Applications for funding through the Section 5310 Enhanced Mobility of Seniors and Individuals with Disabilities Program. This program is supported by the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) and offers funding to help provide transit services for the State’s population of senior citizens and individuals with disabilities.
The following organizations are eligible to submit an application for the Section 5310 program:
Those eligible may apply for Capital Assistance. For Capital Assistance through the Section 5310 Program, funding is provided with an 80/20 split: FTA/Provider respectively.
There are two Section 5310 opportunities in the TARCOG Region of DeKalb, Jackson, Limestone, Madison and Marhsall counties, including:
The deadline for submitting applications to TARCOG for review and endorsement is 5:00 P.M. on June 15, 2026.
TARCOG Economic Development & Planning Director Lee Terry said TARCOG must submit the Section 5310 applications to ALDOT by 5 p.m., on June 22. No late applications will be accepted.
If dropping off applications for review, please remember TARCOG has moved to its new office at 4976 Corporate Drive NW, Huntsville. The office is near the intersection of Corporate and Old Monrovia Road. If mailing, send to TARCOG ED&P, PO Box 1087, Huntsville, AL 35807.
Should you have any questions or need technical assistance with the application development process, please reach out to Ms. Lauren Heikkinen, at 256-658-9691 or heikkinenl@dot.state.al.us
For more information about this opportunity or assistance with an application, please contact TARCOG Economic Development & Planning Staff at 256-830-0818.
March 30, 2026
With growth accelerating across North Alabama, leaders in Jackson County are taking proactive steps to ensure the community is ready for what’s ahead.
How it started
What began as a conversation about preparation has now turned into a major regional effort. For Jackson County, the real work started with a federal grant worth $150,000 that TARCOG helped secure from the federal Economic Development Administration and Department of Commerce. The county contributed another $37,000 in local matching funds, allowing the county to move forward with a comprehensive Economic Resiliency Plan.
“At the time, we recognized that while North Alabama was experiencing rapid growth in manufacturing, retail and other sectors, Jackson County did not yet have a plan in place,” Jackson County Commission Chair Bill Nance said. “If you’re not prepared, growth can quickly strain infrastructure and services.”
Through a competitive selection process, the county engaged a consulting firm and formed a steering committee representing a broad cross-section of the community. Over the course of a year, the group worked to evaluate current conditions and plan for the next 15 to 20 years.
The effort included interviews with local officials, educators and first responders, along with public meetings and focus groups covering key sectors such as industry, tourism, infrastructure and education. Participants helped identify strengths and weaknesses, while also offering input on future needs.
Resiliency Plan Approved
Nance said the final plan, approved in November 2024, outlines priorities aimed at strengthening the county’s ability to support long-term growth. These include expanding utility capacity, increasing workforce participation, improving mobile phone coverage, accelerating housing development and generating additional revenue to support public infrastructure and services.
Unlike many planning efforts, the work in Jackson County did not stop when the report was completed.
Ongoing efforts
Nance said a core group of steering committee members continue meeting regularly, taking ownership of key action items and working collaboratively to address identified challenges.
One major focus has been utility infrastructure—particularly natural gas availability. Limited capacity is already a barrier to growth, prompting regional partners to come together on a solution.
Expanding the reach
Nance said after two failed attempts, Jackson county officials reached out to utilities providers in Huntsville and Athens about creating a cooperative gas district. Now utility providers from across North Alabama are working to develop a proposed 137-mile natural gas pipeline that would extend from Mississippi across the region, creating a reliable, long-term supply to support future demand.
“This is the kind of project that requires regional cooperation,” Nance said. “Some areas may not feel the impact yet, but with growth coming, they will.”
Additional efforts are underway to explore expanded economic opportunities, including renewed interest in developing a river port to support agriculture and industry. Nance said the commission has also reactivated a previously established port authority board to help move that concept forward.
Other plan highlights
The plan also highlights the importance of addressing housing availability, supporting tourism-related infrastructure and evaluating large-scale projects that could further strengthen the local economy.
Guiding this work is a diverse steering committee that includes representatives from local government, education, healthcare, business and industry. Together, they are helping ensure the plan remains a living document—one that continues to evolve as progress is made.
Through continued collaboration among local, regional, state and federal partners, Jackson County is positioning itself to manage growth effectively while enhancing quality of life for its residents.
TARCOG is proud to support these efforts and remains committed to assisting communities across the region with planning and implementation strategies promoting long-term resilience and economic vitality.
The Jackson County Economic Resiliency Plan was approved in late 2024. Guiding the continued work of this plan is a diverse steering committee that includes representatives from local government, education, healthcare, business and industry. Together, they are helping ensure the plan remains a living document—one that continues to evolve as progress is made.
February 12, 2026
Valor Scientific is a joint effort of co-founders, from left, Bethany Blake, Andrew Kodani, PhD, and Matthew Knuesel, PhD
Valor Scientific, Inc., is a new biotechnology company in Madison with a vision to impact human research and healthcare by serving the real-world needs of research labs. Neighborhood Concepts, Inc., and TARCOG are helping them get started.
Biotechnology is a field of science that involves using living organisms, cells, and biological processes to develop products and technologies for various applications, ranging from disease prevention, environmental sustainability, and solving critical global issues.
When the Valor team approached Neighborhood Concepts, Inc., for non-traditional financing to open its new biotechnology lab on Madison Boulevard, the proposal was a winner as a joint funding initiative between NCI and TARCOG.
Meet the Valor Scientific leaders
The small startup is a joint effort of co-founders, Andrew Kodani, PhD, Bethany Blake, and Matthew Knuesel, PhD.
Kodani said Valor specializes in manufacturing high-quality human growth factors for research, medical, and commercial uses. They have a mission to innovate systems for scientific breakthroughs and make research more accessible to underserved groups.
The company is opening a new production facility in Madison with the help of a $350,000 loan through NCI and TARCOG.
About Fibroblast Growth Factor 2 146 (FGF2 146)
Valor’s first product to hit the market is called FGF2 146. Blake said the product fuels growth in every cell type and bodily organ, and it is a critical material of cell development in the body and in the lab. FGF2 146 claims to be fueling the next stage of cellular research with a science-proven and an innovative approach to change the way growth factors are manufactured and used.
In the simplest terms, Kodani said Valor offers a new standard for bioactive proteins that are reliable enough for stem cell research, potent enough for wound healing, and refined enough for cosmetic skincare use. This means things its product could impact concerns like bone density loss and fracture repair, post-surgical skin repair, eardrum repair, and even anti-aging skincare.
Giving back
Blake said Valor’s approach combines deep technical expertise with a commitment to positively impact research and patient well-being. Their goal is to create a company that not only pushes scientific breakthroughs, but to also leave a lasting legacy of compassion.
Kodani said kids with rare diseases are only represented by two percent of the National Institute of Health’s annual budget. As Valor Scientific grows, he said they are committed to working with nonprofit family foundations to provide affordable and accessible research solutions through our social enterprise research arm.
Valor’s first collaboration is with the Coffin-Lowry Syndrome Foundation— a Huntsville-based nonprofit dedicated to support and awareness for families affected by this rare genetic condition characterized by severe intellectual disability and developmental delay.
Through this collaboration, Valor Scientific is proud to support scientific discovery and advocacy that directly impacts members of Huntsville, the state of Alabama — and beyond.
January 5, 2026
Rebuild Alabama Act Grant
The Rebuild Alabama Act (RAA) Annual Grant Program for Fiscal Year 2026 is accepting applications. The RAA Annual Grant Program is administered by the Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT).
Project applications may be submitted for improvements to any classified road or bridge open to public traffic. The applying sponsor must own and maintain all the roads and bridges included in the project improvements.
Any local governmental entity (county or municipality) within the State of Alabama is eligible.
The total funding allocated for the FY 2026 program will be $15 million:
RAA Annual Grant Program funding is only available for eligible construction activities. No Preliminary Engineering, Right-of-Way, Utility Relocation, Construction Engineering & Inspection or Materials Testing costs will be eligible.
Additional information may be found on the ALDOT website.
The application is available on the ALDOT website. All applications must be submitted electronically no later than 5:00 pm on February 20, 2026.
Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD) Grant
The application period is open for this year’s Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD) grant program.
The BUILD grants are for transportation projects with a maximum award amount of $25 million.
BUILD grants will be awarded on a competitive basis, per statute, for planning or constructing surface transportation infrastructure projects that will improve safety; environmental sustainability; quality of life; mobility and community connectivity; economic competitiveness and opportunity including tourism; state of good repair; partnership and collaboration; and innovation.
Click for more details and to access the NOFO
Applications are due Feb. 24, 2026.
For more information about these opportunities or assistance with an application, please contact TARCOG Economic Development & Planning Staff at 256-830-0818.
Dec. 29, 2025
There’s a new loan fund director in place at Neighborhood Concepts, Inc. (NCI), to help small businesses grow and retain jobs throughout the TARCOG Region.
The Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) in December awarded more than $12.6 million to 80 projects designed to strengthen local economies across 12 Appalachian states. TARCOG is one of five grantees from Alabama.
More than $11.6 million was awarded through READY Grants to Grow, a funding opportunity that helps Appalachian organizations obtain the skills, knowledge, and resources necessary to strengthen their local economies — now and into the future.
TARCOG received a $252,180 grant to be used over three years to establish new loan fund director and outreach specialist positions to improve consistency and efficiency in the delivery of loans to small businesses through partner Neighborhood Concepts, Inc. (NCI). The nonprofit administers TARCOG’s Revolving Loan Fund through the North Alabama Revolving Loan Fund, LLC.
“I see this as a great opportunity for both of our organizations, as well as the region, to have someone full time and dedicated solely to this work,” said TARCOG Economic Development and Planning Director Lee Terry.
He said project activities are projected to serve or improve 158 businesses, 12 communities, and two organizations; create 120 new businesses; and retain 165 jobs.
Mary Ellen Judah, NCI’s executive director, said she expects the funding to be a game changer for the region, allowing more resources to be devoted to expanding services with the addition of a new loan fund director.
Mary Ellen said the new loan fund director, John-Michael Marlin, has worked as director of lending for the Renaissance Community Loan Fund, Inc., in Tupelo, Miss., since 2019. She’s excited about his extensive experience and success at growing loan funds.
John-Michael said he’s excited to lead the loan fund and work with TARCOG and its regional partners to expand capital access, support local entrepreneurs, and create real economic impact across the communities within the region.
“I believe in what’s possible when people have access to both affordable capital and the knowledge to use it well,” he added.
The ARC is an economic development entity of the federal government and 13 state governments, focusing on 423 counties across the Appalachian Region. ARC’s mission is to innovate, partner, and invest to build community capacity and strengthen economic growth in Appalachia, helping the region achieve socioeconomic parity with the nation.
The goal of the grant awards is to help Appalachian organizations, community foundations, and local governments obtain the skills, knowledge, and resources necessary to address their local economic development needs.
“At ARC, we know that many of our Appalachian communities face barriers to growing their economies,” said ARC Federal Co-Chair Gayle Manchin. “This funding will not only help advance the skills of our Appalachian neighbors but will also provide crucial assistance to help communities maximize their ability to build financial stability.”
Neighborhood Concepts, Inc., (NCI) Loan Fund Director John-Michael Marlin
November 17, 2025
Project Manager Del Schafer recalls milestones from his 50 years with TARCOG.
On a sunny Monday afternoon in mid-November, as coworkers filled a conference room at TARCOG with balloons, proclamations, and decades of stories, Del Schafer—who had every reason to sit back and enjoy the celebration—leaned over and said, “I’ve got work to do this afternoon.”
It was the most Del thing he could have said.
For half a century, Del has been the steady, relentless force helping process the millions of dollars in grants that have shaped communities across DeKalb, Jackson, Limestone, Madison, and Marshall counties. Splash pads, senior centers, infrastructure upgrades, community centers, emergency equipment—you name it, Del likely helped write or administer the grant that made it possible.
But if you ask him about his impact, he’ll wave off the praise with a shy smile and call the fuss “over the top.” For an introvert who prefers spreadsheets to spotlights, Monday’s celebration was overwhelming: proclamations arrived from Gov. Kay Ivey; Huntsville Mayor Tommy Battle; Arab Mayor Bob Joslin; Geraldine Mayor Chuck Ables; the Madison County Commission and Commissioner Violet Edwards; and Athens City Councilman and TARCOG Board President James Lucas.
Two municipalities declared it “Del Schafer Day.” The City of Arab—always creative—went further, proclaiming it “Splashpad Del Schafer Day.”
Still, Del insisted he didn’t deserve the attention. But the room full of family, colleagues, friends, and former coworkers—some of whom drove hours to surprise him—knew better.
A Beginning He Never Forgot
His story with TARCOG began on Nov. 17, 1975. Back then, the staff was tiny and worked from a cramped space in the Central Bank Building downtown. Del remembers his first morning vividly: he drove—out of habit—to his old job, walked to the door, and only then realized he needed to be somewhere else. He hurried to his Volkswagen, headed to TARCOG, and still arrived early.
He has been showing up ever since.
Del carries with him an entire era of local government lore. At a city council meeting once, he noticed men outside holding rifles, with another propped inside the room. It was simply the first day of turkey season. Another day, a pistol slipped out of someone’s overalls mid-meeting. And once, a public official challenged him to a fistfight in the parking lot.
“OK, but then can we get back in here and finish this grant?” Del said. The mayor smiled, then laughed, they finished – and won the grant.
These stories, colorful and memorable, are told with Del’s trademark modesty. He’s far more eager to talk about the town and city clerk’s he’s worked with over the decades—people who “care about their communities” and routinely go above and beyond.
The Colleagues He’s Helped Along the Way
During a luncheon before the celebration, the generational contrast was striking — not a single member of the Economic Development & Planning staff had been born when Del started at TARCOG. Some had never even seen or used a floppy disk.
But what they have seen—what they rely on—is Del’s institutional memory. His ability to recall what worked, what didn’t, who tried what solution in what year, and how it all fits together.
“Del’s celebration showed me what can happen by being dedicated to a career path for so long,” said Marley Hicks, senior planner. “He has truly seen it all—the growth, decline, and resilience of what can happen at a job.”
James King, associate planner, said it would be nice if everyone could be more like Del.
“His authenticity is refreshing, and I very much enjoy hearing him speak about his past experiences,” James said. “The things that man has seen could easily make up its own book. In fact, given how much Huntsville and regional history he’s witnessed, it would be fantastic to hear more recounting of how this region was built into what it is today.”
The team’s newest member, Jennifer Dummer, grants administrator, added she appreciates his knowledge and guidance.
“He is always willing to help, and it saves time on things that might have otherwise taken awhile to track down,” Jennifer said.
Their director, Lee Terry, summed it up simply: “Having someone with Del’s depth of experience and institutional knowledge is invaluable.”
“I am so thankful for Del,” added Economic Development Coordinator Leslie Wright. “He has helped me, taught me so much, and I don’t hesitate to call on him.”
Family, Honors, and a New Award
While his daughter Meredith Carr from Mobile couldn’t make it up for the event, Del’s wife, Shauna, his daughter Katie, and son-in-law Joe Indeck, watched as one tribute after another rolled in. Katie put it best: “My dad is awesome.”
For Executive Director Michelle Gilliam Jordan, that moment said it all.
“When your child says something like that about you,” she said, “that’s everything.”
Michelle also unveiled a surprise: a new honor, the Del Schafer Service Award, created specifically to recognize individuals who embody Del’s dedication to service. Fittingly, Del became its first recipient.
Not Done Yet
Some guests thought the event was a retirement party. Del quickly set the record straight: he isn’t retiring.
He’s not done. Far from it.
He still writes and wins grants. He recently reviewed 10 grant applications for a state agency. And if you send him an email—weeknight, weekend, holiday—he’ll probably answer.
“He’s always on his computer,” his wife Shauna said.
Michelle calls Del a rarity in today’s workforce: an employee with decades of service who hasn’t lost an ounce of drive.
“He sets a great example for our team,” she said, “and we’re so proud to have him.”
A Legacy in Motion
The celebration was about honoring Del’s past. But it was also about recognizing something deeper: the power of one determined, humble person to leave a lasting mark on an entire region.
Del has spent 50 years building other people’s visions. He’s written grants that brought joy to children, safety to first responders, and opportunity to small towns fighting to grow. He did it all quietly, without expecting applause.
And now, for at least one day—and likely many more—those communities returned the favor.
Because the truth is simple: North Alabama is better because Del Schafer showed up. And he’s still showing up.
From left, TARCOG Executive Director Michelle Gilliam Jordan, Madison County Commissioner Violet Edwards, Arab Mayor Bob Joslin, Gurley Mayor Stan Simpson, TARCOG Project Manager Del Schafer, his wife, Shauna Schafer, TARCOG Board Ex-Officio Connie Spears, TARCOG Board President and Athens City Councilman James Lucas, Huntsville Mayor Tommy Battle and Geraldine Mayor Chuck Ables
Huntsville Mayor Tommy Battles reads a proclamation he signed making November 17, 2025, Del Schafer Day in the City of Huntsville
TARCOG Executive Director Michelle Gilliam Jordan welcomes guests to a special celebration to honor Del Schafer’s 50 years of work with the agency
TARCOG Executive Director Michelle Gilliam Jordan and Del Schafer with the newly created Del Schafer Service Award
From left, holding commendations and proclamations for Del Schafer on November 17, are his wife Shauna Schafer, daughter and son-in-law, Katie and Joe Indeck with Del sitting in front
TARCOG Economic Development and Planning Staff, from left, Senior Planner Marley Hicks, Associate Planner James King, Director Lee Terry, Project Manager Del Schafer, and Economic Development Coordinator Leslie Wright. Not pictures is Grants Administrator Jennifer Dummer
From left, TARCOG retirees Carolyn Bond, Nancy Hollingsworth, and Stephanie Jackson enjoy a chat with Del Schafer
November 12, 2025
TARCOG-area officials turned out Wednesday, Nov. 12, for a Lunch & Learn in Huntsville to find out more about the services provided by DesignAlabama.
DesignAlabama Executive Director Gina Glaze Clifford, and Taylor Pruett, administrative assistant, met with representatives from the City of Arab, Town of Gurley, City of Madison, and TARCOG at the Huntsville/Madison County Chamber of Commerce.
TARCOG Executive Director Michelle Gilliam Jordan, who also serves as president of the DesignAlabama Board of Directors, said she was excited to invite area leaders to learn more about the unique services the nonprofit provides and new ways TARCOG can play a role in planning for local communities.
Gina explained that DesignAlabama’s programs foster engagement among civic leaders, citizens, and design professionals. For communities interested in participating, the first step is for the mayor to apply to the Mayors Design Summit.
These annual events bring together five mayors from the state for two days to address a design issue in their community. There is no cost to participate other than individual travel expenses. Each selected mayor gives a 10-minute presentation on their city and its design issue and is encouraged to bring any relevant maps, photos, renderings, or other materials, Gina said. They are also paired with a design professional beforehand that will help them prepare their presentation for the summit.
Over the course of the summit, the mayors work alongside six design professionals in a roundtable setting to develop solutions. The ideas generated during this collaborative time can then be taken back to each community as a starting point for a future project. The deadline to apply for the 2026 Mayors Design Summit is April 1, Gina said.
DesignAlabama also offers other programs and events, including DesignDash, DesignVision, and DesignPlace.
DesignDash is a one-day, fast-paced design session that brings community members and design professionals together to focus on a specific site planning or design issue. A facilitator leads discussions throughout the event.
DesignVision is a two-day community visioning workshop held in partnership with Auburn University’s Urban Studio. The workshops align with the Urban Studio’s fall curriculum and center on community-oriented planning and design goals.
DesignPlace involves three-day intensive visits from DesignAlabama professionals who provide design, planning, and community identity assistance. These teams include experts in architecture, landscape architecture, urban design, graphic design, interior design, and planning—highlighting how design arts contribute to successful community development.
During the visit, DesignPlace professionals survey the community, review identified issues, meet with local leaders and groups, develop recommendations, and outline strategies for implementation. Two DesignPlace programs are held each year, and communities are selected through an application process. The application deadline is April 1.
There are administrative fees ranging from $2,500 to $10,000 for each program, plus travel and additional equipment costs when applicable.
“We are always happy to talk with anyone interested in learning more about our process,” Gina said.
For more information, contact TARCOG’s Economic Development & Planning staff at 256-830-0818, visit www.designalabama.org, or call 334-549-4672.
DesignAlabama presentation to TARCOG area officials on Nov. 12.
DesignAlabama Executive Director Gina Glaze Clifford talks about services offered to municipalities by the nonprofit.
Among attendees at a DesignAlabama Lunch & Learn held on Nov. 12 in Huntsville included Katie Bottoms Jones, executive administrator/communications for the Arab Mayor Bob Joslin’s office, and Gurley Mayor Stan Simpson shown discussing possibilities for their towns.
DesignAlabama Board of Director’s President and TARCOG Executive Director Michelle Gilliam Jordan talks about creative ways TARCOG can assist city’s with planning challenges.
October 3, 2025
What is known as “grant season” around the TARCOG office, has ended with our staff submitting 11 grants for more than $2.7 million in funds to support nearly $6 million in projects throughout the region.
Economic Development & Planning Director Lee Terry said the end of “grant season” doesn’t mean additional grant applications won’t be submitted. It just means the busiest time of year for grant applications and deadlines has passed.
“I’m so proud of the hard work our staff has accomplished in meeting these deadlines for projects that are important for every county in our region,” Lee said.
From a school expansion in Scottsboro, easier access for breathtaking mountain views and sunsets in Mentone, to new roads in Paint Rock, sewer systems in Valley Head and Skyline, and a new baseball field in Boaz, Lee said each of the funding requests has the potential to improve the overall quality of life in the TARCOG region.
The first deadlines of the season were for Community Development Block Grants (CDBG). Submitted by July 23 included:
By September 10, two Recreational Trails Program (RTP) grants were submitted including:
By September 25, two applications for Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) Area Development grants were submitted including:
And by September 9, one Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) grant application was submitted for:
$400,000 in Community Development Block Grant funds have been requested to rehabilitate the Stone Shed that currently serves the Town of Triana as the only restroom facility its town park. The total project cost is $460,000. The grant application was one in 11 submitted by TARCOG staff in recent months.