SB313 Alabama 2023 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Tom ButlerSenator

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2023

Title

Relating to the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs; to authorize the department to distribute funds appropriated for that purpose to any government or private entity to accomplish the design, construction, and installation of a replica of the Saturn 1B Rocket or similar structure at the northernmost Interstate 65 rest stop in the state, if the original rocket located at the Interstate 65 Ardmore Welcome Center in Elkmont, Alabama is beyond restoration or repair; and to allocate funding under the department's Planning Program.

Summary

The bill lets ADECA fund and oversee a replica Saturn 1B rocket at the northernmost I-65 rest stop in Elkmont if the original cannot be repaired, and directs Planning Program funds to specific projects.

What This Bill Does

It authorizes ADECA to distribute funds appropriated for repairing or replacing the Saturn 1B rocket to any government or private entity to design, construct, and install a replica at the northern Interstate 65 rest stop in Elkmont. It notes the original rocket is on loan from NASA to the Alabama Space Science Exhibit Commission. It also allocates $1.5 million from the Planning Program for FY 2024 to three recipients for economic development: $500,000 to West Alabama Utilities, $500,000 to Bay Minette Utilities, and $500,000 to Washington County. The act becomes effective on the first day of the third month after its passage and approval.

Who It Affects

• State and local entities or private groups that might receive ADECA funds to design and install the replica rocket.
• West Alabama Utilities, Bay Minette Utilities, and Washington County receiving specific Planning Program funding for economic development

Key Provisions

• ADECA may distribute funds allocated for the Saturn 1B rocket repair or replacement to entities to design, construct, and install a replica at the northern I-65 Welcome Center in Elkmont.
• The project hinges on the original Saturn 1B rocket being beyond restoration or repair.
• The original rocket is on loan from NASA to the Alabama Space Science Exhibit Commission; the bill acknowledges this arrangement.
• Planning Program funds for FY ending September 30, 2024 are allocated as: $500,000 to West Alabama Utilities, $500,000 to Bay Minette Utilities, and $500,000 to Washington County for economic development.
• Effective date: the act becomes law on the first day of the third month after passage and approval.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 22, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs, required to provide for repair or replica of Saturn 1B rocket