In northwestern Alabama, the Tennessee River winds its way through pastoral scenery and forms the northern boundary of Lawrence County. The county is a significant part of the state’s continued economic development. Various industries provide jobs and a high quality of life for a surplus labor pool whose skills range from advanced technologies to agriculture. Unemployment figures for the county compare favorably at 5.9%.

A sophisticated transportation network takes advantage of Interstate and US Highways linking Lawrence County to markets near and far. Excellent railroads handle freight hauling across the nation. In addition, the Tennessee River - maintained at a constant depth year round by the Tennessee Valley Authority - has many navigable miles that pass through the county, allowing the shipment of goods to eastern and southern seaports.

Air transportation in and out of the county is handled by the Industrial Airpark at Courtland. It is served by two 5,000-ft. runways and other facilities including utilities, railroads, and paved roads. The airpark has direct access to US Highway Alternate 72/Highway 20. In addition, the Huntsville International Airport, located 30 miles east of the Industrial Airpark, has four major airlines and the International Cargo Center.

A proposed Memphis-to-Atlanta high speed corridor will pass through Lawrence County, connecting it to those two cities. Both are approximately 190 miles from the county. Other cities such as Nashville, Tennessee, which is 145 miles away, and Birmingham, Alabama, 90 miles away, are important commercial centers that conduct extensive business with the county.

Developers have recognized Lawrence County’s potential for investment and growth. Industrial clients can develop a number of large private tracts within the county, as well as the 1,000 acres of prime industrial sites along the Tennessee River. There are many acres available at the Industrial Airpark, which lies in an Enterprise Zone that offers tax exemptions and credits.

So welcome to Lawrence County, where you’re always invited to ,discover the best that the South has to offer.

Industry:
Lawrence County is home to over 40 manufacturing facilities, employing approximately 3,500 people. Products manufactured here include pulp and paper, missile assembly, metal fabrication, ladies and sports apparel, wooden pallets and screen printing. Much of the economic growth is concentrated around the Industrial Airpark of Lawrence County, a 2,200 acre airport and industrial park complex.

Agriculture:
Lawrence County is one of the top producers of cotton in Alabama, farming approximately 35,000 acres annually. Other major farm products include wheat, soybeans, sorghum, corn, poultry, eggs, hogs and cattle.

[back to top]

 

 

The Lawrence County School System is located in Northwest Alabama in the heart of the Tennessee Valley. The Central office is housed at 14131 Market Street in Moulton. On July 1, 1997, Ms. Cindy Collins was sworn in as Superintendent of Education and is currently serving in that capacity.

The Mission of the Lawrence County School System is "In order to prepare Lawrence County students to function as productive citizens, we will provide a quality education in a safe and pleasant learning environment."

The school system is composed of five elementary schools, one middle school, five high schools, two unit schools and a vocational school. A new middle school for the East Lawrence Community will be completed in August 1999.

The system has over 450 professional staff and a support staff that exceeds 300. There are approximately 6,300 students in grades K through 12. 78 students are served through the system’s preschool program at two campuses. Alternative programs are offered at the Tennessee Valley Learning Center in Hillsboro.

The Lawrence County School System is rich with potential and pride. Much emphasis is placed on the system’s academic program. A comprehensive instructional plan has been developed to further improve the education opportunities for the students of Lawrence County. As technology changes, the instructional program of the county is adjusted to meet the needs of students to prepare them for the challenges of the technical world.

Among the fastest growing aspects of the Lawrence County education system is the partnership between the county schools and the Northwest-Shoals Community College. Northwest-Shoals’ two-year program serves Lawrence County and recently established two computer labs in Moulton for K-12 use. The college fulfills its mission through high school early admission and dual credit/dual enrollment programs permitting students to get a head start on college careers.

Additionally, Northwest-Shoals is the leader in the region in workforce training programs for traditional and advanced occupational disciplines. It is the home of two excellent centers for environmental technology and woodworking technology. The college offers courses in Moulton and its two campus sites in the Shoals and Phil Campbell. Visit the college web site at www.nwscc.cc.al.us

[back to top]

 

 

Lawrence County has a Commission form of government. The county has five commissioners elected from individual districts. The County Administrator runs day-to-day operations.

The five incorporated towns, Moulton, Town Creek, Courtland, North Courtland and Hillsboro, have a mayor-council form of city government. Each city has it own police department, with the Lawrence County Sheriff Department serving the rest of the county.

Moulton has a full-time fireman while the rest of the county is being served by volunteer fire personnel from the different areas.

Most of Lawrence County has access to public water and natural gas. Electrical power is provided by Joe Wheeler EMC with Courtland having its own utility department.

Media

Newspaper:
One weekly newspaper, The Moulton Advertiser, located at 659 Main Street, Moulton, and two daily papers, The Decatur Daily, located at 201 1st Avenue SE, Decatur, and The Times Daily, P. O. Box 797, Florence.

Radio and Television:
Serving the area locally is WXKI, 103 FM and WHIY, AM. The area is also served by five television stations; WAFF-TV, WAAY-TV, WHNT-TV, WHIQ-TV and FOXX 54

[back to top]

 

 

Lawrence County provides a full range of medical services that include NHC Health Care Center, a 100 bed skilled nursing home, Lawrence County Health Department, Town Creek Area Health Clinic, Moulton Counseling Center, Chiropractic Services and General Dentistry. Lawrence Baptist Medical Center is a 98-bed, acute care hospital that provides 24 hour emergency care. Formerly Lawrence County Hospital, the hospital formed an affiliation with The Baptist Health System of Alabama in 1995.

 

[back to top]