Redstone Arsenal is a Top 6 finalist for the headquarters of the United States Space Command.

Gov. Kay Ivey made the announcement in a tweet Thursday afternoon. It was selected as a contender by the U.S. Air Force.

The governor's office told WAAY 31 the Department of Defense/Secretary of the Air Force reopened the process to select a location, and it has been alerted that Alabama remains in the running for the headquarters. 

A team was in Huntsville in June of 2019 to survey the Arsenal’s ability to host the U.S. Space Command's permanent headquarters. 

According to the Huntsville/Madison County Chamber, this would bring 1,400 jobs that are a combination of uniformed and civilian positions. A decision is expected in early 2021 and another site visit is being planned.

Here are the other sites that are being considered in this final round:

• Redstone Arsenal
• Kirkland Air Force Base (New Mexico)
• Offut Air Force Base (Nebraska)
• Port San Antonio (Texas)
• Peterson Air Force Base (Colorado)
• Patrick Air Force Base (Florida)

You can find a statement from Huntsville Mayor Tommy Battle on the announcement below: 

The Department of the Air Force announced today that Huntsville has been designated as a candidate location for consideration to host the headquarters of the United States Space Command (USSPACECOM). Huntsville is one of six locations to participate in the next phase of the process.

"The Redstone region provides an unparalleled workforce for the U.S. Space Command with capabilities that include missile defense, aerospace, and intelligence,” said Mayor Tommy Battle. “We have the infrastructure capacity, community support, low cost of doing business and high-quality expertise to serve as the headquarters for USSPACECOM. When you analyze all the variables, Huntsville is the clear choice for this vitally important unified combatant command.”

The Air Force anticipates making a public announcement on its decision in early 2021.

JUST IN: @TeamRedstone is a Top 6 finalist for @US_SpaceCom’s permanent HQ! From our many space/defense assets to our skilled workforce, AL has the support structure needed to execute the mission. I urge the @DeptofDefense to select @huntsvillecity for #USSPACECOM. #alpolitics

— Governor Kay Ivey (@GovernorKayIvey) November 19, 2020