By Associated Press
Montgomery, AL – Governor Riley's legislation to create 400 (M) million in industrial incentives to help land a steel plant for Mobile County will get its first test in legislative committees today (2/27).
The Legislature began its special session late yesterday afternoon and met briefly for lawmakers to introduce Riley's bills. The bills will be considered by House and Senate committees starting at 9 a-m today.
Riley's state finance director, Jim Main, says he's hopeful the bills will be approved quickly and smoothly because it's important for Alabama to present a good image to the steel company, ThyssenKrupp AG.
Some legislators say they won't rush the legislation because they have lots of questions. Senate budget committee Chairman Roger Bedford says Riley did a poor job of communicating with legislators before the special session. Bedford and several other senators are supposed to meet privately with Riley today to discuss the bills.
Riley's incentive package is not just for the steel plant. He's also trying to lure an engine plant to the Montgomery area and a railroad car plant to Colbert County in northwest Alabama.
(Copyright 2007 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)