OXFORD, Alabama – The Calhoun County Economic Development Council has been awarded more than $2 million to expand a local industrial park and help position the region for new jobs and investments.
The funding, through Alabama’s Site Evaluation and Economic Development Strategy (SEEDS) program, will aid in the development of a newly acquired 115-acre property, expanding the Oxford West Industrial Park to 530 acres and preparing it for future growth.
State and local officials gathered Tuesday for the check presentation by the Alabama Department of Commerce. SEEDS is part of Governor Kay Ivey’s economic development initiative designed to sharpen the state’s competitive edge in securing large projects.
Commerce Secretary Ellen McNair said the program is delivering on its mission to increase the inventory of industry-ready sites across Alabama.
“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. “We are excited to watch as this strategic vision and planning by Calhoun County leaders pays dividends for the region for years to come.”
The SEEDS grant builds on the momentum generated in Calhoun County late last year, when the EDC secured $2 million in Growing Alabama tax credits. Those funds are also being used for site work at the Oxford West Industrial Park, bringing the total investment there to more than $4 million.
“Site readiness is an important factor for the attraction of new manufacturing companies,” said Don Hopper, executive director of the Calhoun County EDC. “Preparing this property ensures that when companies are ready to locate, Calhoun County will be ready for them.”
The expanded industrial park is strategically located within reach of a regional workforce of about 800,000 people, including a labor force of more than 375,000, providing companies with access to a deep and skilled talent pool.
Other assets in the area include five higher education institutions, creating a strong pipeline for workforce training, technical education and industry partnerships.
Larry Deason, chairman of the Calhoun County EDC, highlighted the long-term significance of the investment.
“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 and positions us to attract companies that create lasting economic impact for our communities.”
Oxford Mayor Alton Craft also emphasized the collaborative nature of the effort and its impact on the community.
“We appreciate the continued leadership of the EDC in preparing our community for future growth. This project will strengthen Oxford’s ability to attract companies that create good-paying jobs and invest in our community,” the mayor said.
