The Tuscaloosa County Economic Development Authority (TCEDA) has been awarded a $296,000 grant through the State Industrial Development Authority’s (SIDA) Site Evaluation and Economic Development Strategy (SEEDS) program. This is the largest site assessment grant awarded in the state of Alabama through SEEDS and will fund extensive due diligence on industrial sites near the Tuscaloosa National Airport, enhancing the region’s competitiveness for industrial investment.
The SEEDS program is designed to help communities evaluate and prepare sites for economic development by funding key site readiness activities such as environmental studies, geotechnical analysis, and infrastructure planning. This funding will enable TCEDA to accelerate industrial site development, ensuring the region is primed for job creation and economic growth.
“This investment lays the foundation for long‐term economic success in Tuscaloosa County,” said TCEDA Board Chairman Steven Rumsey. “By conducting thorough site assessments, we can provide prospective industries with the confidence they need to invest here. The state’s support through SEEDS reinforces the strength of our community as a destination for business and industry.”
Tuscaloosa Mayor Walt Maddox emphasized the importance of strategic site development: “Economic development starts with having the right sites ready for investment. This grant will allow us to proactively prepare for the future and make Tuscaloosa an even more attractive destination for industry and job creation.”
Tuscaloosa County Probate Judge and Commission Chairman Rob Robertson added: “The ability to provide ready‐to‐develop sites is a key factor in attracting new businesses and expanding existing ones. This funding allows us to take a proactive approach to industrial site readiness, giving Tuscaloosa County a stronger competitive edge in economic development.”
Northport Mayor Dr. John Hinton highlighted the regional benefits of the grant: “The collaboration between our local governments and TCEDA is essential in securing long‐term economic success. This investment will strengthen our ability to recruit high‐quality industries, benefiting Northport and the entire Tuscaloosa County region.”
The assessment work funded by the SEEDS grant will begin immediately, with TCEDA working alongside engineers, environmental specialists, and site consultants to complete the due diligence process. The goal is to ensure the sites near the Tuscaloosa National Airport are ready for industrial development, supporting local job creation and economic diversification.
Assessment work will focus on two properties, the Tuscaloosa County Airport Industrial Park and a site adjacent to the Tuscaloosa National Airport. The Tuscaloosa County Airport Industrial Park is home to 17 domestic and international investments that employ more than 1,600 people. Consisting of 1,000 total acres, the Park offers sites with access to reliable utilities and transportation options. The Park was established in the early 1980s through a public‐private effort. Near the Tuscaloosa County Airport Industrial Park and adjacent to the Tuscaloosa National Airport, a 390 acre site has been identified as a catalyst for major industrial growth. With its location on the Black Warrior River, the property could create sites with multi‐modal opportunities for prospective companies. The prospective transportation opportunities are also enhanced by the City of Tuscaloosa’s recent commitment to extend the airport runway and construct a cargo terminal.