MONTGOMERY, Alabama — Applications for Round 4 of the state’s Site Evaluation and Economic Development Strategy (SEEDS) grant program are now open, giving communities around the state access to support in assessing and developing new industrial spaces.
Created in 2023 as part of Governor Kay Ivey’s priority “Game Plan” economic development legislation package, the SEEDS Act offers grants to local industrial development agencies to create and improve their sites to better recruit businesses.
“The SEEDS program has steered more than $138 million toward the creation of industry ready sites around the state, guaranteeing that Alabama has the space and infrastructure to keep attracting quality industries and jobs,” Ivey said. “My administration, Commerce and the Legislature realized years ago we needed to make this investment, and I’m pleased but not surprised by communities’ overwhelming responses. Together, we are building Alabama’s future.”
The SEEDS program is administered by the Alabama Department of Commerce in partnership with the Economic Development Partnership of Alabama (EDPA).
Since the program’s first awards, over $138 million in state funds and required local matches have been distributed to 76 sites statewide.
“Having available, shovel-ready sites across the state is critical to attracting prospective new employers,” said Commerce Secretary Ellen McNair. “The SEEDS program takes communities’ sites from ‘what could be’ to ‘what is’ and gives Alabama an advantage in industry recruitment.”
In Round 4, SEEDS will provide more than $7 million in state support for site assessment grants to evaluate the potential of new or underutilized sites. Under the SEEDS Act, a local economic development organization may apply for a Site Assessment Grant if:
- The organization owns the site or holds an option to purchase it;
- The site consists of at least 50 acres; and
- The applicant demonstrates that the approved grant funds will be matched by funds on hand or funds contingently committed to the project, with the required match determined by the population of the county where the site is located.
The SEEDS program is separate from the Growing Alabama Tax Credit program, which uses private dollars to improve publicly owned sites for economic development. Donors receive a tax credit equal to the value of their contributions to approved economic development organizations. Since 2017, Growing Alabama has directed nearly $161 million in funding to 56 sites.
Communities can apply for SEEDS funding via a portal on the EDPA website. The application deadline is Aug. 31. Awards will be announced in late October.
Applicants who need a site consultation or have questions should contact Greg Blalock at gblalock@edpa.org or (205) 943-4750.
