Montgomery, AL – Governor Kay Ivey announced today that the State Industrial Development Authority (SIDA) has approved 29 grants totaling $23.5 million under the Site Evaluation and Economic Development Strategy (SEEDS) program. The funding aims to accelerate the development of industry-ready sites and position Alabama to attract transformative economic growth projects.
The SEEDS grants will facilitate industrial site development in both major cities and rural communities, including Mobile, Montgomery, Tuscaloosa, Greene, Fayette, and Macon counties. The initiative is designed to enhance Alabama’s ability to secure large-scale projects by addressing the need for development-ready industrial properties.
Launched in 2023 as part of Governor Ivey’s “Game Plan” for economic development, SEEDS is already showing results. Governor Ivey emphasized the program’s role in supporting high-impact economic growth projects that benefit citizens and communities across the state. This second round of funding follows an initial allocation of $30.1 million, which was matched with $38.4 million in local contributions across 29 industrial sites.
SIDA approved 20 SEEDS site assessment grants worth $1.5 million for activities such as environmental and geotechnical surveys of early-stage industrial sites. Among these, the largest grant of $296,000 will support the Tuscaloosa County Industrial Park, with an equal local match. Other site assessment grants will benefit rural communities in Fayette, Dadeville, Demopolis, Troy, Epes, and Enterprise.
Additionally, nine SEEDS development grants totaling $22 million were approved to support infrastructure improvements, land purchases, and site grading. Communities including Auburn, Opelika, and Montgomery will provide a combined $10.8 million in matching funds. The largest development grant, $6 million, will support the expansion of Mobile’s Brookley Aeroplex industrial complex, home to Airbus’ U.S. manufacturing center. Three grants, totaling $6.1 million, will assist sites in Macon, Lawrence, and Fayette counties.
Ellen McNair, Secretary of the Alabama Department of Commerce, highlighted the program’s impact, stating that investments in site readiness are preparing communities for long-term economic success. The SEEDS program is administered by the Economic Development Partnership of Alabama (EDPA), with evaluation support from Global Location Services.
A third round of SEEDS funding will be announced once the Alabama Legislature finalizes this year’s budget. Governor Ivey has included an additional $20 million in her budget request to continue site development efforts. Legislative leaders have praised SEEDS for its role in preparing Alabama for future economic opportunities, particularly in rural areas.
House Speaker Nathaniel Ledbetter and Senate President Pro Tem Garlan Gudger both underscored the program’s potential to enhance Alabama’s economic competitiveness and create long-term job opportunities. As Alabama continues to invest in site readiness, state officials believe the program will remain a key driver of economic growth.
