Alabama shipyard among those receiving maritime awards
A Mobile shipyard is among 24 small shipyards in 19 states receiving a portion of $19.6 million in grants. Blakely Boatworks will receive $722,460 to support the purchase of major components of metal-working equipment. The grant comes from the U.S. Department of Transportation Maritime Administration. – U.S. Department of Transportation Maritime Administration
Hyundai, Alabama supplier deny allegations of child labor
Hyundai is denying a report from Reuters news service that a plant that supplies parts to its Montgomery facility uses child labor. Reuters reported that children as young as 12 have been recently employed at SMART Alabama in Luverne. SMART also denied the allegations. – AL.com
Tuscaloosa County Economic Development Authority has new leader
Justice Smyth has been named executive director of the Tuscaloosa County Economic Development Authority. Smyth, formerly the University of Alabama’s interim director of the Alabama Mobility and Power Center and director of strategic partnerships for the Alabama Transportation Institute, will step into his new role Aug. 15. – Tuscaloosa News