By U.S. Rep. Bradley Byrne

As you have probably heard me say before, I believe one of the most important parts of my job is to help make southwest Alabama a better place for businesses to locate. My family has called this area home for over two centuries, and seeing our area grow and prosper is personal to me.

At a time when we are facing many challenges in the world, including the immigration crisis on our southern border and multiple foreign policy dilemmas abroad, I am pleased to take a break from these disturbing world events and report on some positive developments that have taken place right here in southwest Alabama.

First, just last week the Delta Regional Authority held a summit in Chatom on the changing dynamics in our workforce. The Delta Regional Authority works to promote economic growth and improvements to the quality of life in 252 mostly rural and economically distressed counties in eight states, including Washington, Clarke, Monroe, and Escambia counties in Alabama. While votes in Washington prevented me from attending the conference, a member of my staff was present.

The meeting focused on “reimagining” the Delta workforce and ways to promote economic development in rural areas.  Much of the time was spent discussing job training programs, including the SKILLS Act, which recently passed in the House and was signed into law by President Obama. I am glad that such an important discussion on workforce development took place in Alabama’s First Congressional District.

Also, this week Monroeville will kick off their designation as a Main Street Alabama community. The Main Street Alabama program encourages public-private partnerships to revitalize and grow downtown areas.  From assisting shop owners with growing their profits to planning communitywide programs, Main Street Alabama focuses on the heart of the American economy: small business.

Under the leadership of Mayor Mike Kennedy, Monroeville has already made some notable strides, and I expect more progress as the Main Street Alabama program launches and builds on Monroeville’s already impressive downtown area.

Finally, many of you may have read about the draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) being released for the prospective I-10 bridge over the Mobile River. The release of the draft EIS has been more than 10 years in the making, and now the process can finally move forward.

U.S. Rep. Bradley Byrne is the representative for the 1st Congressional District of Alabama, which includes Escambia County.