BY SPEAKIN’ OUT NEWS
Governor Kay Ivey announced Friday that the State Industrial Development Authority (SIDA) has approved $15.7 million in grants through the Site Evaluation and Economic Development Strategy (SEEDS) program, continuing Alabama’s push to strengthen its economic competitiveness.
The third round of SEEDS includes 21 grants to accelerate the development of industry-ready sites, helping communities attract large-scale projects that create high-quality, high-paying jobs.
“SEEDS has proven to be a game-changer for Alabama’s economic development,” Ivey said. “With 77 sites now approved across three rounds, we’re seeing companies choose Alabama because we’ve invested in making our sites ready for growth.”
Over the program’s three years, SEEDS funding and required local matches have invested $138 million across 77 sites statewide. The latest round will be matched with $12.3 million in local contributions, supporting 21 industrial locations.
SIDA approved 12 site assessment grants totaling more than $3 million, primarily for environmental and geotechnical surveys. These grants benefit sites in Blount, Walker, DeKalb, Autauga, Bibb, Lowndes, Jefferson, Russell, Pike and Perry counties, with DeKalb and Jefferson counties each receiving funding for two sites.
Additionally, nine site development grants totaling $12.7 million were approved for land purchases, grading, clearing, and infrastructure preparation. Those funds will support sites in Colbert, Geneva, Baldwin, Talladega, Covington, Pike, Jackson, Tuscaloosa and Marion counties.
Alabama Department of Commerce Secretary Ellen McNair said SEEDS gives both rural and urban communities a competitive edge. “These strategic investments position communities across Alabama for next-generation development and long-term prosperity,” she said.
SEEDS remains a cornerstone of Governor Ivey’s 2023 Game Plan for Economic Development, addressing the growing national demand for shovel-ready industrial sites.