Alabama's commitment to economic development has been recognized by business leaders around the world, and rightly so. The reason for our success is simple: top-down vision and an unwavering commitment to partnerships. Governor Kay Ivey's administration has repeatedly demonstrated a “thinking ahead” approach that has paid off in attracting industry and growth across the state.

The Alabama Legislature has also played a key role in this effort, as evidenced by the swift passage of last year's “Game Plan” economic development incentives bill and this year's “Work for Alabama” bill.

States will continue to compete for major projects, and our team, led by the Alabama Department of Commerce, is looking to build on our track record of success. One industry that has caught the attention of economic development professionals is advanced air mobility, known as AAM, an air transportation system that uses vertical and conventional takeoff to transport people and cargo.

In fact, established manufacturers, including Alabama-based companies, are teaming up with startups to invest billions of dollars in these emerging technologies.

The AAM industry's goal is to better serve all aviation markets, regional, urban and rural, including underserved and underserved markets. We recently participated in the Joint Legislative Study Committee on Advanced Air Mobility and heard from prominent experts in AAM and aviation planning.

These meetings led to the introduction of House Bill 176, which would task the Department of Transportation with developing a strategic plan for AAM. For this new program to be successful, it will require close coordination with stakeholders across Alabama.

I'm grateful that the Alabama Legislature unanimously supported House Bill 176 and Governor Ivey signed it into law. There's no doubt that Alabama will lead the nation in advanced air mobility over the next decade. Let's plan for the future together.

Sen. Lance Bell (R-Pell City) represents Alabama Senate District 11 (St. Clair, Shelby and Tallapoosa Counties). Rep. James Lomax (R-Huntsville) represents Alabama House of Representatives District 20 (Madison County).