Partnership Secures Federal Investment, Advancing Capital Region Progress

Montgomery, Alabama – Regional leaders gathered today, March 10, at the Montgomery Regional Chamber as Congressman Shomari Figures (AL-02) announced more than $3 million in federal funding secured for two transformational initiatives in the Montgomery region.

The investments will support the Montgomery Regional Tech and Innovation Ecosystem Initiative and the Alabama Capital Maxwell Gateway Project. Together, these efforts strengthen workforce development, support entrepreneurs, and improve critical infrastructure connecting downtown Montgomery and Maxwell Air Force Base. The projects represent a strategic investment in the Capital Region and reflect the partnerships driving continued economic growth.

“I’m proud to announce over $3 million that we’ve secured for the Montgomery region, specifically $2 million for the Alabama Capital Maxwell Gateway Project and $1.65 million for the Montgomery Regional Tech and Innovation Ecosystem Initiative,” Figures said. “The way we do it is we go to local leadership to understand what the needs are and bring resources back home to address those priorities.”

Investing in Innovation and Workforce Development

A total of $1.65 million will support the Montgomery Regional Tech and Innovation Ecosystem Initiative, an effort focused on expanding workforce training, entrepreneurship, and opportunity in high-growth technology sectors.

“We’re gathered to celebrate progress. Measurable progress toward transforming Montgomery into a competitive, inclusive, and future-ready tech hub,” said Montgomery Mayor Steven Reed.

A key component of the initiative is the development of a 20,000-square-foot innovation lab in downtown Montgomery, where residents will receive hands-on training in fields such as cybersecurity, cloud services, data analytics, and artificial intelligence.

The initiative will also support entrepreneurship and workforce connections by helping small businesses grow while creating new pathways for students and residents to connect with local employers and career opportunities.

A Gateway Project for the Capital City
An additional $2 million will support the Alabama Capital Maxwell Gateway Project, a long-anticipated infrastructure improvement along the I-65 corridor designed to enhance mobility and strengthen connections between downtown Montgomery and Maxwell Air Force Base.

Montgomery Regional Chamber President and CEO Anna Buckalew said the project reflects the capital region’s broader strategy to align economic development priorities and invest in the assets that drive long-term growth.

“You’re seeing a well thought out plan around driving economic growth,” Buckalew said. “We’re aligning around the cornerstones we know matter. Big business, small business, innovation, workforce, the support of our military, our infrastructure, and our downtown.”

The Maxwell Capital Gateway Project plays a key role in that strategy.

“The Maxwell Capital Gateway is a major initiative that will change the entrance to the Capital City,” Buckalew said. “We are the Capital City and we’re proud of that fact. This project recognizes the potential not only for our economy and our military, but also for our downtown and the work underway to transform it.”

The improvements will strengthen connectivity along the I-65 corridor and reinforce the physical and economic connection between Maxwell Air Force Base and downtown Montgomery.

“It’s literally the bridge and the link between Maxwell and downtown,” Buckalew said. “When people enter our city, it’s going to look a lot better. It’s going to say welcome to a city that’s on the move.”

Partnership Driving Regional Progress
Buckalew emphasized that the announcement reflects the strength of collaboration across the region’s public and private leadership “It’s really about that strong linkage between the business community and our elected leadership,” Buckalew said.

The funding for these projects is part of nearly $18 million secured for the district during the most recent federal appropriations cycle, underscoring the impact of coordinated leadership across the region.

“This work does not happen by accident,” Figures said. “It takes all of us doing our part.”

For Montgomery and the River Region, the announcement represents continued momentum as partners invest in innovation, infrastructure, and the initiatives driving progress across the Capital Region.

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