Governor Kay Ivey on Friday announced the approval of 21 grants totaling $15.7 million through Alabama’s Site Evaluation and Economic Development Strategy program, a statewide effort aimed at preparing industrial sites to compete for large-scale economic development projects.
The grants were approved by the State Industrial Development Authority and represent the third round of funding under the SEEDS program. The initiative is designed to accelerate the development of industry-ready sites by supporting land acquisition, environmental assessments, infrastructure improvements and other site preparation work.
Since its launch three years ago, the SEEDS program, combined with required local matching funds, has invested $138 million across 77 industrial sites throughout Alabama.
“SEEDS has proven to be a game-changer for Alabama’s economic development, helping communities across our state compete for the transformative projects that create jobs and build prosperity,” Ivey said in a statement. “With 77 sites now approved for funding across three rounds, SEEDS continues to deliver on its promise.”
Ivey also emphasized the program’s reach into rural Alabama, noting that 28 rural counties have received SEEDS support.
The latest round of grants will be matched by $12.3 million in local contributions, bringing total investment for Round 3 projects to more than $28 million.
At a meeting Wednesday, the authority approved 12 site assessment grants valued at more than $3 million. These funds will primarily support environmental and geotechnical surveys for early-stage industrial sites in Blount, Walker, DeKalb, Autauga, Bibb, Lowndes, Jefferson, Russell, Pike and Perry counties. DeKalb and Jefferson counties each received funding for two sites.
SIDA also approved nine site development grants totaling $12.7 million. These grants will fund activities such as land purchases, site clearing and grading in Colbert, Geneva, Baldwin, Talladega, Covington, Pike, Jackson, Tuscaloosa and Marion counties.
The SEEDS program is a key component of Ivey’s 2023 economic development strategy and was created in response to increased competition among states for major industrial projects.
In the first round of SEEDS funding, $30.1 million was awarded and matched with $38.4 million in local contributions across 29 sites. The second round allocated $23.4 million, paired with an $18.1 million local match, to support 27 additional sites.
Alabama Department of Commerce Secretary Ellen McNair said the program is helping communities across the state prepare for future growth.
“Through these grants, paired with local contributions, big cities and small towns alike across Alabama are positioning themselves for next-generation development and prosperity,” McNair said.
“These are smart, strategic investments and further proof of the thriving partnerships around the state that are focused on building a brighter future for all Alabamians,” she added.
