Nursing homes have deadline to spend $50 million
Though the Alabama Nursing Home Association has begun distributing about $20 million in coronavirus-related funding, there’s $30 million more that must be distributed by Dec. 15, or it’s lost. The CARES Act funding was announced by Gov. Kay Ivey in August, and any unused money will be returned to the Alabama Department of Finance. – AL.com
Robotics Technology Park to expand
Alabama Robotics Technology Park, in Tanner near Huntsville, will undergo a $2.3 million expansion later this year. The 7,000-square-foot expansion, which will create room for seven more training machines, will begin soon, weather permitting. – WAAY-31Â
$37 million federal grant will expand broadband in rural areas
The U.S. Department of Agriculture will provide $37 million in grants for Alabama providers to expand broadband capabilities in rural areas. The money, part of $550 million Congress allocated as part of the second round of the ReConnect Program, will go to six providers across the state and connect 11,000 rural households and 230 businesses to high-speed internet. – WSFA-12Â
Economists: State economy hurt by COVID-19, but could be on recovery path soon
After two years of gains, Alabama’s economy will see a 3.4% drop in 2020, University of Alabama economists predict. The state could be on a path to recovery by early next year, but there’s a risk for significant declines in travel, auto, education and manufacturing (for firms that rely on exports or overseas suppliers) and other sectors.  – AL.com
Winston County’s Natural Bridge Park for sale
You could own the longest natural rock bridge east of the Rocky Mountains for $3 million. That’s the asking price for Natural Bridge Park, the Winston County tourist attraction that has been in the Denton family since 1980. The bridge in the park is about 150 feet long and 60 feet high.. – U.S. News & World Report
