Governor Ivey launched the SEEDS Act, a groundbreaking initiative to boost the growth of industrial sites across Alabama. Out of the 26 counties that benefited from the SEEDS grants, Montgomery Chamber’s Economic Development Program was one of the only three counties that received double awards totaling $2.2 Million. “I am thrilled to see the Montgomery Chamber’s Economic Development Partnership receive the recognition and funding they deserve for their outstanding work in advancing the economic development of our region. The SEEDS grants are a testament to the vision, innovation, and collaboration that drive our program and our partners. I am honored to be part of this dynamic team that is making Montgomery a more prosperous and attractive place for businesses and residents alike.” - Caryn Hughes, 2024 Chamber Chairman.
Securing funding for both early-stage industrial sites marks a substantial advancement for Montgomery Economic Development. According to Ellen McNair, Alabama's Secretary of Commerce, this achievement is attributed to the collaborative efforts of various entities, including the Montgomery Area Chamber of Commerce, the City of Montgomery, the County of Montgomery, the Montgomery Water Works & Sewer Board, and Goodwyn Mills & Cawood. These new resources will play a crucial role in assessing feasibility and unleashing potential development opportunities, spurring industrial expansion, generating employment, and fostering economic well-being within the Montgomery area.
On the heels of record growth, Montgomery now has over $3.5 Billion of advanced manufacturing projects under construction along the Capital City’s logistic corridor, made possible by our outstanding economic development partners. These awards will only accelerate this growth. “The Montgomery Water Works & Sanitary Sewer Board is committed to continuing our strong relationship with the Montgomery Area Chamber of Commerce in supporting their efforts to recruit good paying jobs to Montgomery and are proud to have been selected as a recipient of this highly competitive SEEDS act grant award. This achievement was made possible by a collaborative effort between the Water Board, Chamber of Commerce, and Goodwyn Mills & Cawood that will increase the marketability of this property and keep Montgomery at the top of the rankings during the site selection process. We look forward to being a partner at the table to welcome the new industry that decides to call this site their home.” Ray Roton, Chairman of the Montgomery Water Works & Sanitary Sewer Board.
The site assessment SEEDS grant award is for Kershaw Investment Properties, LLC, a 190-acre site located along I-85 at Kershaw Industrial Boulevard, on the east side of Montgomery; the award will be used to help identify challenges, opportunities, and risks associated with a site, enabling stakeholders to make informed decisions regarding its future use and development and developmental purposes. The development SEEDS grant was awarded for the Montgomery Water Works & Sanitary Sewer’s 230-acre CSX Select Gold site located along Hwy 31 near the future locations of the inland port and the new Amazon facility. A development seed grant serves as financial aid intended to bolster the initial phases of a development project. These grants typically cover expenses related to planning, feasibility studies, site assessments, and other essential steps crucial for project advancement. By providing resources and support, development seed grants aim to drive initiatives that positively impact economic growth, community development, and strategic objectives.
The SEEDS Act empowers local economic development organizations to nurture economic site growth throughout Alabama. This landmark legislation, part of Governor Ivey’s comprehensive "Game Plan," is instrumental in positioning Montgomery and other cities in Alabama to compete effectively in the national economic development arena. By equipping local developers with essential tools and resources, the SEEDS Act strengthens Montgomery's economic strategy, driving transformative growth and solidifying its status as a premier state for residents.
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Images to accompany this release, along with Alabama `Governor Kay Ivey’s and the Alabama Department of Commerce’s full press release, can be found below:
https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/aj7dqwzn8t3zjln9ewurl/h?rlkey=1z1n6gx6wadwxytlmholbt0vj&dl=0
https://governor.alabama.gov/newsroom/2024/02/governor-ivey-announces-30-million-in-initial-seeds-grants-to-accelerate-development-of-industrial-sites-across-alabama/
https://www.madeinalabama.com/2024/02/site-development-efforts-get-30-million-boost-with-alabamas-first-seeds-grants/
Media Contact:
Greta Locke
(cell): 205-862-9307
