A proposed high-tech industrial park and residential community near Barber Motorsports in Birmingham could receive $6 million in federal grants to spur development of the projects.

U.S. Steel, Birmingham, Southern Museum of Flight, Jefferson County and Leeds has partnered on the project called Grand River Technology Park and Grand River Homes.

The project could create more than 1,200 jobs and generate an economic impact of more than $85 million in the Greater Birmingham area, according to information from the Alabama Department of Labor.

The Alabama Department of Labor announced on Wednesday that through the Abandoned Mine Lands (AML) Program the state has been given preliminary approval to distribute $10 million in federal grant funds to three projects in the Birmingham area.

The approval came from the federal office of the Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement (OSMRE), as part of the 2017 AML Pilot Program to revitalize Alabama's coalfields region.

The AML Pilot Project is a joint effort by the U.S. Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement, and the State of Alabama Department of Labor's Abandoned Mine Lands Program.

Besides the Grand River development, the other projects are in the cities of Helena and Vestavia Hills.

The Grand River Technology Park represents a multi-phase opportunity to reclaim and transform approximately 105 acres of undeveloped land surrounding and including many pre-1977 abandoned coal mine lands in east Jefferson County into a regional nexus for research and development, tourism, and light manufacturing, according to the Department of Labor.

Grand River Homes will make the technology park more attractive to potential tenants and employers as well as serving a need for additional housing in the area.

The city of Birmingham has released little information on the project.

In November, the Birmingham City Council approved entering into an agreement with U.S. Steel to pay up to $4.6 million for some site work to prepare 40 acres south of Barber Motorsports Park for the industrial park.

As part of the deal, U.S. Steel will deed 24 acres near the site over to the city for the relocation of the Southern Museum of Flight.

The city's investment will pay for the construction of a partial road and grading of the property, according to the development agreement. U.S. Steel would actively market the 40-acre site for industrial users.

Helena

Preliminary approval for $3.25 million in 2017 AML Pilot grant funds was given to U.S. Steel in partnership with the city of Helena, the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers and the Alabama Department of Environmental Management toward the development of the Hillsboro Community.

The Hillsboro Community is a multi-phase mixed-use development to be built on a 3,600-acre tract, portions of which are situated on an area of pre-1977 abandoned coal mine lands.

The project will include residential, commercial, lake and trail system areas, and parks, each of which will be connected by an integrated trail system running the length of the project and ultimately linking it to downtown Helena.

Once completed, it is estimated that the Hillsboro Community Project would contribute approximately $67.1 million annually in spending and support 495 jobs with related new income of $23.8 million in Shelby County.

Vestavia Hills

The City of Vestavia Hills received preliminary approval for $750,000 in 2017 AML Pilot program grant funds for additions and improvements to the Sicard Hollow Athletic Complex, portions of which are situated on 65-acres of previously reclaimed abandoned mine lands.

These improvements would include construction of a 300-seat amphitheater with covered stage, a 50-person pavilion building, public wi-fi access, the installation of a turn lane on Sicard Hollow Road, expansion of parking facilities, and the addition of a multi-purpose athletic court.

This project is anticipated to create 1,000 jobs due eight to 10 new businesses and more than 100 existing or improved businesses to service the demand for restaurant, retail, and hotel amenities.

Work on the projects is expected to begin by summer 2018.