Alabama awards $7.2M in Growing Alabama funding to boost site readiness at developments in Conecuh, Lauderdale, St. Clair, and Elmore counties. Gov. Ivey aims to attract new businesses, create jobs, and spur economic growth in these regions. Initiatives include site preparation, infrastructure improvements, and capital improvements at agricultural centers.
Gov. Kay Ivey announced Oct. 23 that the Renewal of Alabama Commission has allocated over $7.2 million in new Growing Alabama funding to four economic development organizations across the state, accelerating the construction of industrial and agricultural center sites.
The investments are designed to boost site readiness, a critical factor in attracting new industries and supporting business expansions in the state.
The communities benefiting from this latest round of Growing Alabama funding are in Conecuh, Lauderdale, St. Clair and Elmore counties. The new monies will support sitework, infrastructure development and long-term growth potential in these regions.
"Growing Alabama is about ensuring that every corner of our state has the opportunity to attract new businesses and create jobs for hardworking Alabamians," Ivey said in a statement on the state's Department of Commerce news website, known as Made in Alabama.
"By investing in site readiness, we're setting the stage for economic growth in communities that need it most. These projects will not only strengthen local economies but also make Alabama even more competitive on a national and global scale."
The Growing Alabama program is vital in preparing sites for future development — one of the key considerations for businesses looking to build new facilities or expand current operations.
Following are the locations and some details of the projects that are due to receive the new funding allocations:
- The Industrial Development Board of St. Clair County will be awarded $3.8 million for site work and public infrastructure at an industrial park.
- Another $1.5 million for construction of an agricultural facility will go to the Lauderdale County Agricultural Center Authority.
- In Conecuh County, an industrial site is to receive $1.2 million for site work and public infrastructure.
- The Industrial Development Board of the City of Tallassee in Elmore County will be awarded $792,000 for site work and public infrastructure at one of its industrial parks.
A ‘Most Impactful Tool' for Spurring Economic Growth
The Growing Alabama program provides tax credits to eligible taxpayers who make contributions to approved economic development organizations. In return, donors receive a tax credit equal to the value of their contribution, creating a mutually beneficial path toward advancing industrial development across the state, according to Made in Alabama.
The Alabama Department of Commerce administers the Growing Alabama program, and all applications are approved by the Renewal of Alabama Commission, which is chaired by Commerce Secretary Ellen McNair.
"The Growing Alabama program is one of the most impactful tools we have to spur long-term economic growth," she noted. "By funding essential infrastructure and site development, we're enabling communities to attract new industries and create high-quality jobs. These investments pave the way for future success, ensuring Alabama remains a top destination for business."
Eligible projects for the program include site preparation on public land for industrial use, as well as infrastructure improvements to make existing industrial properties more attractive for new investments.
Qualifying construction activities may involve land clearing, utility upgrades and other improvements necessary for site readiness. Additional eligible projects include capital improvements at inland ports or intermodal facilities, along with construction and maintenance of agricultural centers.
Made in Alabama reported that in 2024, the total amount available through the Growing Alabama program was $23 million, providing many opportunities for communities across the state to accelerate site development.
Over the summer, Ivey announced that $15.5 million in Growing Alabama funding was allocated to the towns of Auburn, Brundidge, Enterprise and Fort Payne, in addition to the counties of Greene, Coosa and Walker.
Another resource for potential donors and communities seeking support in site development is the Economic Development Partnership of Alabama (EDPA), which is actively developing a database of contributors to aid in advancing industrial readiness statewide.
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