MONTGOMERY, Alabama — Two grants totaling $2.2 million from Alabama’s Site Evaluation and Economic Development Strategy (SEEDS) program will accelerate the development of vital industrial sites in Montgomery, reinforcing the city’s ongoing surge in capital investment and job creation.

In collaboration with the Montgomery Water Works & Sanitary Sewer Board and Kershaw Investment Properties LLC, the Montgomery Chamber celebrated the grants in a ceremony this week. The SEEDS funding will enhance Montgomery’s economic potential and complement the $3.5 billion in advanced manufacturing projects already under way.

Montgomery was among only three counties to secure multiple SEEDS grants in this competitive round, further positioning the city as a leader in industrial growth.

Montgomery officials said the grants will unlock new development opportunities, drive industrial expansion, and sustain economic prosperity for the region.

“The Chamber’s strong partnership approach to economic development has been so successful, and these SEEDS grant awards will ensure we are leaning forward with those same partners to be ready for growth and new job opportunities,” said Anna Buckalew, president and CEO of the Montgomery Area Chamber of Commerce.

Key tool

The SEEDS program, part of Alabama’s “Game Plan” for economic development, aims to fast-track the development of industry-ready sites across the state.

“The SEEDS program equips local developers with the tools they need to ensure communities like Montgomery can compete on a national level,” said Ellen McNair, Secretary of the Alabama Department of Commerce.

The grants will fund two key projects in Montgomery:

• A site assessment grant for Kershaw Investment Properties will evaluate a 190-acre site along I-85, providing critical data for future development.
• The second grant, awarded to the Montgomery Water Works & Sanitary Sewer Board, will fund infrastructure development at the 230-acre CSX Select Gold site near Highway 31, priming the area for future industrial investment.

Ray Roton, Chairman of the Montgomery Water Works & Sanitary Sewer Board, emphasized that collaboration made this success possible.

“This achievement reflects the strength of our partnerships with the Water Board, the Chamber, and Goodwyn Mills & Cawood,” he said. “Together, we are ensuring that Montgomery remains a top destination for businesses looking to invest and grow.”

Last February, the State Industrial Development Authority (SIDA) approved a total of $30.1 million in SEEDS funding, which will be matched with $38.4 million in local funds at 29 different Alabama industrial sites encompassing nearly 8,400 acres.

The other counties receiving two SEEDs grants in the program’s first round were St. Clair and Walker.

A second round of SEEDS grant awards is in the works.