SEEDS initiative to spur strong economic development in Alabama 

GMC partners with several entities on successful SEEDS grant applications.

Alabama Governor Kay Ivey announced the State Industrial Development Authority (SIDA) has approved over $30 million in grants through the new Site Evaluation and Economic Development Strategy Act (SEEDS) program to expedite the development of much-needed industry-ready sites across the state and bring lasting impact for citizens. 

The first of its kind in the state, the SEEDS grant program provides funding for site assessment and site development, aiming to prepare sites to attract industries from all over the world. Through the program funding, the sites will be industry-ready and help bring investment to Alabama, ultimately driving growth and development by supporting hundreds of jobs and bringing value to local communities.

Entities ranging from municipalities, county industrial boards, industrial development authorities, chambers of commerce and non-profits are eligible to apply for SEEDS grants. Entities are required to have a record of supporting or participating in economic development activities in the state. The applications opened in October 2023 with a $40 million allotment. In total, 29 grants were approved by the state, 10 of which partnered with GMC to assist with their applications. 

After grant applications were submitted and reviewed, SIDA approved 14 site assessment grants valued at $1.1 million. GMC worked with five entities to assist with due diligence for environmental and geotechnical surveys for the industrial sites, in Clay, Lowndes, Conecuh, Shelby and Montgomery counties. 

• The City of Ashland’s (Clay) site assessment application was approved for $65,699.50.  
• The Town of Fort Deposit’s (Lowndes) site assessment application was approved for $113,800.00. 
• The Conecuh County/City of Evergreen’s site assessment application was approved for $70,000. 
• The 58 Inc. Shelby County Economic Development Corporation’s site assessment application was approved for $38,050.00. 
• The Montgomery Area Chamber of Commerce’s site assessment application was approved for $23,275.00. 

Also approved were 15 development grants valued at $29 million. GMC worked to assist in land purchases, infrastructure improvements and site development and grading to make the sites more attractive for industry. GMC assisted Etowah, Calhoun, Escambia, DeKalb and Montgomery counties.

• The Etowah County Commission’s site development application was approved for $4,611,145.97. 
• Calhoun County EDC’s site development application was approved for $858,000.00. 
• The City of Atmore’s (Escambia) site development application was approved for $703,246.78. 
• The City of Henagar’s (DeKalb) site development was approved for $475,609.13. 
• The Montgomery Area Chamber of Commerce’s site development application was approved for $2,100,000.00. 

This new initiative marks a promising step forward in the future of industry in Alabama and works hand-in-hand with GMC’s mission of ‘building communities’. With the help of this program, Alabama can better compete nationally and become a leader in economic development, turning local economies into areas of progress and cutting-edge development.