The Florence-Lauderdale Industrial Park will receive a $2 million SEEDS grant

Officials in Lauderdale County celebrated a significant milestone as the Florence-Lauderdale Industrial Park received a $2 million grant through Alabama’s Site Evaluation and Economic Development Strategy (SEEDS) program.

These funds are part of a nationwide initiative to stimulate the local economy and will be used to improve infrastructure in the industrial park, paving the way for new businesses and sustainable employment opportunities in the area.

Gov. Kay Ivey highlighted the impact of the investment and emphasized her administration’s commitment to economic development across Alabama.

“This SEEDS grant is a significant investment in the future of Florence and Lauderdale County and will help ensure that communities across Alabama have the infrastructure needed to attract quality jobs and expand opportunities for their residents. By developing industrial parks like Florence-Lauderdale, we strengthen Alabama’s position as a top destination for new business and industry,” Ivey said. “Our state’s commitment to strategic site development is clear and I am proud that this investment supports sustainable growth in the Shoals.”

The SEEDS program was created to support Alabama’s economic growth by providing financial assistance to prepare industrial and commercial sites and position the state as a premier location for business expansion and job creation.

The first round of SEEDS funding provided a total of $30 million, supplemented by $38 million in local contributions.

In the Shoals, the SEEDS grant at the Florence-Lauderdale Advantage Site will be used for significant improvements, including stormwater drainage, improved transportation and utility infrastructure, and a 300,000-square-foot speculative construction platform. The local contribution totaled $1.5 million.

These developments will ensure the site remains competitive nationally and attracts industries looking for sites ready for construction.

“The SEEDS program is an example of Alabama’s commitment to promoting long-term economic prosperity through strategic investments in site readiness across our state,” said Ellen McNair, Secretary of the Alabama Department of Commerce. “The Florence-Lauderdale Industrial Park expansions supported by the SEEDS grant will enable the region to compete nationally and attract companies that create good-paying jobs and stimulate local economic growth.

“We look forward to seeing this site develop into a cornerstone of economic opportunity for the Shoals and a key asset in Alabama’s economic development strategy,” McNair said.

A $2 million SEEDS grant will be used at the Florence-Lauderdale Advantage Site for significant improvements, including stormwater drainage, improved transportation and utility infrastructure, and a 300,000-square-foot speculative construction platform. (contributed)

Local support

Local leaders, including Shoals Economic Development Authority (SEDA) President Kevin Jackson, expressed excitement about the grant’s potential impact.

“This grant will allow us to attract high-quality businesses to the area and provide new jobs and opportunities to our community,” Jackson said. “We are grateful to Governor Ivey for her continued support of economic development in the Shoals.”

The Florence-Lauderdale Advantage Site has also secured additional investment support to maximize its development potential. The Tennessee Valley Authority will fund construction of the 300,000-square-foot site and critical infrastructure improvements through its InvestPrep program.

In addition, the Florence Industrial Development Board and the Florence-Lauderdale Industrial Expansion Committee have committed resources to expanding the stormwater detention basin.

SEDA and the Shoals Industrial Development Committee have also committed funds from the Shoals Economic Development Fund to strengthen these regional economic growth initiatives.

A second round of SEEDS funding is in the works. The state Industrial Development Authority is expected to announce the recipients early next year.

This story originally appeared on the Alabama Department of Commerce’s Made in Alabama website.