A proposed tax increment financing district could bring up to $230 million in infrastructure and development projects to the Limestone County portion of Huntsville.
A 9,000-acre district for future growth
The proposed TIF, known as TIF D8, would cover more than 9,000 acres between Old Alabama 20, Swancott Road, County Line Road and Pryor Road.
City officials expect new development within the district to generate between $20 million and $25 million in additional revenue each year for Huntsville, local school systems and Limestone County.
The proposal comes as major projects continue to expand the area’s economic activity, including Eli Lilly’s planned $6 billion manufacturing facility.
Roads and a new school lead the investment
The proposed $230 million investment would support several major transportation projects throughout the district. Plans include improvements to Greenbrier Parkway and Greenbrier Road, upgrades at I-565 Exit 3 and improvements along Pryor and Peoples roads.
Swancott Road could receive $50 million for widening between Exit 3 and Boeing Boulevard. The project would improve access to Huntsville International Airport and its intermodal air cargo facilities while supporting manufacturers moving into the area.
The plan also includes $40 million for a new K-8 school and another $15 million for a road serving the campus. The school is part of Huntsville City Schools’ 10-year, $600 million capital plan.
County Line Road would receive another $40 million for improvements and relocation, helping align the road with Huntsville’s long-term development and airport plans.
Other projects could strengthen the area
The TIF proposal also sets aside funding for Fire Station 18 improvements, sanitary sewer upgrades and the city’s purchase of property for the Eli Lilly manufacturing facility.
Fire Station 18 could receive $5 million to expand the facility and support the addition of a ladder truck for the growing residential and industrial corridor. Another $15 million would go toward sanitary sewer improvements designed to encourage additional private investment.
The TIF must still receive approval from the Huntsville City Council and Limestone County Commission. Under the proposal, projects would need to begin within five years or be removed from the plan.
City officials have emphasized that a TIF does not increase existing property taxes. Instead, it directs new revenue generated by development within the district toward approved projects, while existing tax revenue for Huntsville schools, Huntsville and Limestone County would remain unaffected.
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