Strong secures $1 million for Carter Hall renovation at Athens State

Published 3:00 pm Thursday, October 29, 2026

Getting your

Ongoing work to breathe new life into an old Athens State University landmark got a boost this month, after U.S. House Rep. Dale Strong (R-Alabama) announced $1 million in fresh federal funding to support the renovation and expansion of Carter Hall.

The funding, awarded through Congress’ fiscal year 2026 appropriations process, will support capital improvements to transform Carter Hall into a workforce development and multipurpose center designed to help prepare skilled workers from north Alabama communities. The university’s board of trustees voted to approve the renovation and expansion at up to a cost of $30 million in summer of 2025; the project broke ground the following September.

“The new workforce development center at Athens State University is an investment in North Alabama’s future, helping students gain the skills and experience they need to succeed,” said Strong at an October 21 Athens event announcing the appropriation. The award was secured through the congressionally directed spending process, which allows members of Congress to request ...