Calhoun County, AL — The Calhoun County Economic Development Council (EDC) was awarded $2,064,000 in state funding on Tuesday, March 24, 2026, as part of Alabama’s Site Evaluation and Economic Development Strategy (SEEDS) program. The check presentation took place at the Calhoun County Area Chamber and Visitors Center in Anniston, AL, with representatives from the Alabama Department of Commerce, local officials, and EDC leadership in attendance.
The funding will support the development of a newly acquired 115-acre property, expanding the Oxford West Industrial Park to approximately 530 acres. The project is aimed at preparing the site for future industrial recruitment and development.
The SEEDS program, administered by the Alabama Department of Commerce and the State Industrial Development Authority, was established under Governor Kay Ivey’s economic development initiative known as the “Game Plan.” The program focuses on increasing the availability of development-ready industrial sites across the state to better position Alabama communities for business recruitment.
“Site readiness is an important factor for the attraction of new manufacturing companies,” said Don Hopper, Executive Director of the Calhoun County Economic Development Council. “Preparing this property ensures that when companies are ready to locate, Calhoun County will be ready for them.”
According to local officials, the expanded industrial park is located within reach of a regional workforce of approximately 800,000 individuals, including more than 375,000 in the labor force. The area is also supported by five higher education institutions, contributing to workforce training and technical education opportunities.
Alabama Commerce Secretary Ellen McNair noted the importance of ready-to-build sites in economic development efforts.
“Ready-to-build sites are a crucial asset in industry recruiting, and they put our communities in prime position to compete for innovative developments and high-quality jobs,” McNair said.
Local leaders emphasized the long-term impact of the investment. Larry Deason, Chairman of the Calhoun County EDC, described the funding as part of a broader strategy for sustained economic growth in the region.
“This reflects our area’s shared vision for economic growth,” Deason said. “Investing in industrial site development ensures that Calhoun County is prepared for the opportunities ahead.”
Oxford Mayor Alton Craft also highlighted the collaborative effort behind the project and its potential to benefit the community through job creation and economic expansion.
The SEEDS funding builds on an additional $2 million secured by the EDC through Growing Alabama tax credits in late 2025. Combined, the investments total more than $4 million dedicated to infrastructure improvements and site preparation within the Oxford West Industrial Park.
Officials stated that the funding will be used to help create pad-ready industrial sites, positioning the area to compete for future business and industry opportunities.
