The recent award of $11 million in federal Abandoned Mine Land Economic Revitalization Program funding to the Alabama Farm Center is “a shining example of cooperation and strategic partnerships between business and state and federal government,” the Alabama Department of Workforce stated Wednesday. This funding will support the reclamation of hazardous abandoned mine land features and facilitate the economic redevelopment of Hallmark Farms in Warrior in Jefferson County.
Once reclaimed, the site will host the Alabama Farm Center, featuring facilities for livestock shows, rodeos, educational programs and an annual state fair, with an estimated $2.2 billion in direct economic impact over 20 years and the creation of up to 850 jobs.
“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,” said Greg Reed, secretary of the department. “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.”
Agriculture Exhibition Center Corporation Chairman Jimmy Parnell echoed Reed.
“We are proud the Alabama Farm Center will play a role in the revitalization of Hallmark Farms,” said Parnell, also president of the Alabama Farmers Federation and Alfa Insurance. “The resources on this land helped fuel Alabama’s steel industry. As home of the Alabama Farm Center, Hallmark Farms will continue to strengthen the state’s economy by supporting its two largest industries — agriculture and tourism.
“Hallmark Farms was chosen for the Alabama Farm Center due to its central location and the commitment to growth shown by Jefferson County and the town of Warrior,” Parnell said. “Being able to further the land’s legacy as an economic driver for the region affirms our vision for the Alabama Farm Center. We appreciate the support of Secretary Reed, the Alabama Department of Workforce and the Trump administration in helping make this dream a reality.”
The project aligns with broader state efforts to revitalize north Jefferson County, following the site’s $13.5 million purchase by the Agriculture Exhibition Center Corporation in March 2025.
The grant, administered by the U.S. Department of the Interior’s Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement, targets communities impacted by legacy coal mining activities. Alabama was one of six Appalachian states selected to receive $11 million in fiscal 2024 funding to address high-priority sites while promoting job creation and community revitalization. The Hallmark Farms project exemplifies this mission, transforming a former coal mining-associated property into a state-of-the-art agricultural exhibition center that will boost education, tourism and economic growth across the region.
