SPRINGVILLE, Alabama — Two communities in St. Clair County have received a major boost in their efforts to attract new business and industry with the latest round of funding from the Site Evaluation Economic Development Strategy (SEEDS) program.
The initiative, launched earlier this year, is designed to help local governments and development authorities prepare strategic sites for industrial development by funding critical infrastructure, site assessments, and more.
Through SEEDS, communities across the state are now equipped with the resources they need to enhance their competitiveness in the industrial market.
These SEEDS grants are giving smaller communities an edge, allowing them to develop industrial-ready sites that meet the needs of prospective companies and industries looking to locate or expand in Alabama.
Consider the latest examples:
In Moody, the Commercial Development Authority (CDA) received $407,902 in SEEDS funding to extend sewer to its new 192-acre park just off the Interstate 20 corridor. The CDA partnered with the City of Moody and the St. Clair County Commission on the initial park development.
The St. Clair County Industrial Development Board received a SEEDS grant totaling $2.1 million to acquire 250 acres for a new rail-served commerce park on the Interstate 59 corridor. The new park is a partnership between the Industrial Development Board, City of Springville, and the County Commission.
Ellen McNair, Secretary of the Alabama Department of Commerce, emphasized the long-term importance of the SEEDS program to the state’s broader economic development strategy.
“The SEEDS initiative is about equipping communities with the tools they need to compete in the global marketplace. By investing in strategic site readiness, we are strengthening Alabama’s ability to attract new industries, create jobs, and support long-term economic growth across the state,” Secretary McNair said.
“This program reflects our commitment to ensuring that no community — large or small — is left behind in our mission to make Alabama the best place to do business,” she added.
The SEEDS program aims to not only enhance industrial competitiveness but also promote long-lasting partnerships between local governments, regional economic development authorities, and the private sector, creating a comprehensive approach to economic growth in all areas of the state.
Local impact
Don Smith, executive director of the St. Clair County Economic Development Council, said both sites scored in the top 5 in almost all categories the site selector evaluation by consulting firm GLS.
Springville Mayor Dave Thomas said the SEEDS grant and support for the new industrial park off I-59 represents a pivotal moment for the city’s economic future.
“The persistence and dedication of finding and securing the perfect property to provide highly competitive sites for quality companies has paid off because of the SEEDS program and the support of our partners at the state, county, and regional level,” Thomas said.
“This program has been a gamechanger for smaller communities,” he added.
Moody Mayor Joe Lee thanked Smith and his team for securing the SEEDS grant that will accelerate the development of the Kelly Creek Commerce Park in his community.
“This 192-acre park will be shovel ready and would not be possible without the State’s Growing Alabama and SEEDS program,” Lee said. “It will have the potential to provide 1,000 jobs to people along the I-20 corridor and beyond.”
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.
A second round of SEEDS funding is in the works.
St. Clair County officials praised the SEEDS program for helping to unlock the county’s growth potential.
“These parks will potentially create a thousand new jobs for our citizens,” said Stan Batemon, chairman of the St. Clair County Commission. “The presentation of these checks is the culmination of many years of work by these communities. I want to than Governor Kay Ivey, Commerce Secretary McNair, and Greg Blalock of the Economic Development Partnership of Alabama for their support with the SEEDS program.”
Joe Kelly, chairman of the St. Clair County Economic Development Council and chairman of Moody’s CDA, said his community’s economic future will benefit from the grant funding.
“We are most honored to have been considered and awarded the SEEDS grant for the Kelly Creek Commerce Park project,” Kelly said. “I was very proud as Board Chairman to attend the official check presentation by Secretary Ellen McNair of the Alabama Department of Commerce.
“This grant is a major factor in efforts to create attractive and productive jobs, and thusly enhance the quality of life in our city, county, and state,” he added.
