The Birmingham Times
The future of the Birmingham-Southern College campus looks much clearer after a new deal with a governmental entity.
The United States Coast Guard will take over the vacant BSC campus to establish a new training center, officials announced on Wednesday.
U.S. Homeland Security has agreed to purchase the 192-acre campus to be used as a training facility for 1,200 recruits and 400 staff members. The announcement came from the office of Sen. Katie Britt, chair of the Homeland Security Appropriations
Subcommittee, which funds DHS and USCG.
“This is a huge day for Birmingham, our great state, and the U.S. Coast Guard,” Britt said in the statement. “I have long been dedicated to strengthening Alabama’s military installations and the warfighters they serve. This exciting announcement
further positions Alabama as a national leader in supporting our incredible U.S. Armed Forces and law enforcement personnel.”
Last November, the USGC launched a search for a new training hub after record- breaking recruiting numbers. The USCG and DHS outlined several key requirements for the new center — including lodging, a dining area, a medical facility, classrooms, an auditorium, and a multipurpose recreation facility. The BSC
campus, which closed in May of 2024, not only meets but exceeds these needs.
The fate of the BSC campus has been in question since the school closed nearly two years ago. Alabama A&M made offers on the property and a purchase agreement with Miles College was in motion, but expired in November 2024. The purchase price of the USCG acquisition has not been disclosed.
“We’re very excited to announce that 1,000 jobs are on their way Birmingham,” Mayor Randall Woodfin stated in a Facebook post following the announcement. “Major thanks go out to BSC President Daniel Coleman for working to keep the campus viable and attractive for this next phase of use, as well as Senator Katie Britt. And a big shout out to the residents of Bush Hills and the western corridor of Birmingham. This is your victory
as well. This investment delivers real, lasting economic impact to our city and ensures future growth.”
