MONTGOMERY, Ala. (WDNews) — Kay Ivey on Friday announced approval of 21 grants totaling $15.7 million through the State Industrial Development Authority’s Site Evaluation and Economic Development Strategy program, known as SEEDS.
The grants are aimed at speeding up development of industry-ready sites, helping Alabama compete for large-scale economic projects that bring high-paying jobs.
This marks the third round of SEEDS funding. Over three years, the program and required local matching funds have invested $138 million across 77 industrial sites statewide.
“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. “With 77 sites now approved for funding across three rounds, SEEDS continues to deliver on its promise. We’re already seeing major companies choose Alabama because we’ve invested in making our sites ready for development.”
“With 28 rural counties receiving SEEDS support, economic opportunity is reaching every corner of Alabama,” she added.
The Round 3 grants will be matched with $12.3 million in local contributions, supporting 21 industrial sites.
At a meeting Wednesday, the State Industrial Development Authority approved 12 site assessment grants worth more than $3 million. Those 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 will each see two sites benefit.
SIDA also approved nine site development grants totaling $12.7 million. Those grants will support land purchases, site clearing, grading and other preparation work in Colbert, Geneva, Baldwin, Talladega, Covington, Pike, Jackson, Tuscaloosa and Marion counties.
SEEDS is a key part of Governor Ivey’s 2023 economic development “Game Plan,” addressing a growing need for quality industrial sites as other states expand similar programs.
The first round of SEEDS funding totaled $30.1 million, matched with $38.4 million locally for 29 sites. The second round allocated $23.4 million with an $18.1 million local match across 27 sites.
“The SEEDS program has quickly become a significant advantage for communities aiming to land high-quality economic development projects,” said Ellen McNair, secretary of the Alabama Department of Commerce. “Through these grants, paired with local contributions, big cities and small towns alike across Alabama are positioning themselves for next-generation development and prosperity.”
“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,” McNair added.
