Alabama’s first SEEDS grants, totaling more than $30 million, will be used to help develop industry-ready sites across the state.
SEEDS funding of $30.1 million will be matched with $38.4 million in local funds at 29 different industrial sites encompassing nearly 8,400 acres.
SEEDS is an acronym for the Site Evaluation and Economic Development Strategy Act.
“SEEDS represents an important tool that will allow us to keep winning those economic development projects that trigger lasting impacts for Alabama citizens,” Gov. Kay Ivey said in announcing the grants. “The awarding of the first grants under the program represents a milestone in our efforts to make sure Alabama remains competitive for game-changing growth projects.”
Global Location Services, a firm based in Greenville, South Carolina, assisted in the evaluation process, and the Economic Development Partnership of Alabama will administer the SEEDS grants program.
After the SEEDS application process opened in October 2023, organizations across the state requested a combined total of $42 million in funding. Those not chosen for funding can apply for future funding, and some of them benefited from free feedback from GLS as part of the evaluation process.