GE Expansion, CUSA Tip-Off and City Projects Lead Huntsville Headlines

It is a busy week across Huntsville, with major economic news, college basketball downtown and new community programs rolling out.

GE Aerospace Announces $55M Jetplex Expansion

GE Aerospace will invest $55 million into its Huntsville Jetplex facility, adding new production equipment and upgrading the site as demand grows.

The expansion strengthens the company’s work in advanced materials used in next-generation aircraft engines. Local leaders called the move another strong signal of Huntsville’s role in aerospace and defense manufacturing.

The investment is part of a broader nationwide push by the company to increase engine production and support defense contracts, but for Huntsville, it means more high-tech capacity and continued momentum in the city’s industrial base.

Conference USA Tournament Tips Off Downtown

March Madness has officially arrived at the Von Braun Center. The 2026 Conference USA Basketball Championships run March 10 through March 14, bringing men’s and women’s teams to compete for titles and NCAA bids.

In additional sports news, Conference USA announced an extension of its partnership with Huntsville. The city will continue hosting multiple championships through 2029, including basketball, beach volleyball and cross country.

City leaders say the long-term agreement cements Huntsville’s growing reputation as a reliable host for major collegiate events and keeps visitors flowing into downtown each spring.

Girls Garage Returns This Spring

The City of Huntsville is bringing back its Girls Garage program at Brahan Spring Recreation Center. The free, hands-on workshops are designed to teach women and girls ages 15 and up the basics of car care and maintenance.

Sessions are scheduled monthly through May, and organizers say strong interest last year helped drive the program’s return.

$30M Holmes Avenue Complete Streets Project

Plans are also moving forward for a $30 million redesign of Holmes Avenue. The project includes new sidewalks, bike lanes, lighting and landscaping aimed at improving safety and connectivity between downtown, UAH and Cummings Research Park.

Construction is expected to begin in 2027, backed in part by a $20 million federal grant.

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