Federal Grant Fuels Hallmark Farms Redevelopment in Warrior
$11 M federal award will reclaim former mine land at Hallmark Farms, help build the Alabama Farm Center, boosting jobs and tourism in the region
A $11 million federal grant is set to transform the Hallmark Farms property in Warrior into a major agricultural hub, highlighting strong cooperation between business partners and state and federal officials.
The Alabama Department of Workforce announced the funding through the Abandoned Mine Land Economic Revitalization (AMLER) Program, a U.S. Department of the Interior initiative aimed at reclaiming hazardous sites once used for coal mining. Alabama was one of six Appalachian States chosen to receive support this fiscal year.
Once cleanup begins, the nearly 500-acre site along Interstate 65 will be prepared for the future Alabama Farm Center. Plans call for the center to host livestock shows, rodeos, educational programs and an annual state fair — activities officials say will drive community engagement and economic growth.
State Workforce Secretary Greg Reed called the award a key milestone. “By leveraging and utilizing existing connections, federal funding and the state’s aggressive approach toward economic development, especially in rural areas, I think this award is one of our gold-star achievements,” Reed said. “Not only are we helping bring much-needed jobs to the area, but we are also making use of previously unusable land that will now yield dividends, not only economically, but in providing safe entertainment and educational opportunities for Alabamians.”
Jimmy Parnell, Chair of the Agriculture Exhibition Center Corporation and President of the Alabama Farmers Federation, echoed that sentiment. “We are proud the Alabama Farm Center will play a role in the revitalization of Hallmark Farms,” Parnell said. He noted the site’s historic connection to key State industries and praised local support for the project’s vision.
The AMLER grant will fund removal of unsafe mine features, polluted waterways and other legacy hazards left from decades of coal operations. Officials estimate the Farm Center’s construction and events could create up to 850 jobs and generate about $2.2 billion in direct economic impact over 20 years.
The project builds on work already under way. In March 2025, the Agriculture Exhibition Center Corporation purchased the Hallmark Farms property for $13.5 million, clearing a major step toward long-term redevelopment.
