LIMESTONE COUNTY, Alabama — A strategic grant through Alabama’s SEEDS program is helping fast-track development at a promising North Alabama industrial site, reinforcing the region’s growing position as a hub for advanced industry and manufacturing.
The Frazier-White Site, a 430-acre property in Decatur-Limestone County, has received nearly $88,000 through the Alabama Site Evaluation and Economic Development Strategy (SEEDS) Act to support critical site readiness activities.
The award will help fund a $154,000 due diligence initiative that includes environmental and cultural assessments, wetlands delineation, species studies and other key evaluations necessary for industrial recruitment.
Positioned just 1.5 miles from Interstate 65 and adjacent to two four-lane highways, the Frazier-White Site boasts rail access, robust infrastructure and proximity to a highly skilled labor force.
It was recently assessed by Greenville, South Carolina-based Global Location Strategies and ranked among the top-tier industrial sites in the state across all three SEEDS site models — Balanced, Labor-Intensive and Capital-Intensive.
“This SEEDS grant represents a smart investment in Limestone County’s future,” said Ellen McNair, Secretary of the Alabama Department of Commerce. “By accelerating the development of this industrial site, we’re strengthening the region’s ability to compete for high-impact projects that bring new jobs and long-term growth.
“Alabama is focused on making sure our communities are ready for opportunity — and this is a strong step in that direction,” she said.
Local leaders say the SEEDS investment is a critical step in unlocking the site’s long-term potential.
“These grant funds mark a significant step forward in preparing the Frazier-White Site for development,” said Bethany Shockney, President & CEO of the Limestone County Economic Development Association (LCEDA). “With its strategic location, robust infrastructure and access to a skilled labor force, this site has potential to serve as an economic engine for our community, region and state.”
The site’s rail connectivity has also drawn attention from major transportation partners.
“Norfolk Southern is proud to support the development of rail-served sites like the Frazier-White Site,” said Tyler Preast, Senior Industrial Development Manager for Norfolk Southern. “This SEEDS award represents a meaningful investment in Decatur-Limestone County and reinforces the value of rail in driving economic growth and American reindustrialization.”
Regional momentum
The SEEDS grant has generated strong support among local and regional stakeholders.
“The Frazier-White Site’s top-tier ranking and strategic location make it an ideal site for bringing quality jobs and industrial growth to our county,” said Limestone County Commission Chair Collin Daly.
“This property represents one of Decatur and Limestone County’s most strategic industrial assets, and this funding moves us closer to making it market ready,” added Decatur Mayor Tab Bowling. “By advancing due diligence, we are strengthening our ability to attract advanced manufacturing and other high-value industries that will benefit our region’s economy.”
Regional collaboration is a hallmark of the project’s success, with leaders across county lines embracing its broader economic impact.
“This investment is a critical step in enhancing the site’s readiness and visibility for future development,” said Jeremy Nails, President & CEO of the Morgan County Economic Development Association. “Strategic site evaluation and preparation strengthen our regional competitiveness and help position North Alabama for long-term economic growth.”
With the SEEDS funding now secured, LCEDA said it will advance to the next phase of positioning the site for prospective industries and headquarters in sectors including advanced manufacturing, aerospace, aviation, agriculture technology, and food products.
SEEDS impact
The SEEDS program is a key part of Alabama’s long-term commitment to expanding economic opportunity in communities across the state by accelerating site development and enhancing rural competitiveness.
The first two rounds of SEEDS funding totaled over $53 million and supported 56 sites statewide, helping local communities and economic development organizations advance critical site readiness efforts.
Applications for Round 3 of the state’s SEEDS grant program opened on July 1, with a total of $23.2 million available to support site assessment and development efforts across Alabama. The application window closes on Sept. 30.
