Alabama allocates $9.3 million for industrial sites

Five Alabama communities secured over $9.3 million to prepare industrial land for new businesses. Governor Kay Ivey announced the awards on Friday, marking the latest disbursement from the state’s Growing Alabama Tax Credit program. The funding targets specific infrastructure upgrades designed to make local sites more attractive to private investors.

Dothan received the largest share of the new money. The Industrial Development Board of the City of Dothan will receive $3.5 million for site work and public infrastructure at the Westgate Super Site. This sum is intended to ensure the area is ready for immediate industrial use.

Aliceville and Walker County also secured substantial allocations. The City of Aliceville Industrial Development Board was awarded $2.2 million for improvements at the Aliceville Industrial Park. Separately, the Walker County Economic and Industrial Development Authority received $2.1 million for work at the Heritage Industrial Park. Both projects focus on preparing public land for private industrial development.

Smaller grants went to Pell City and Guntersville. The Industrial Development Board of the City of Pell City will receive $1 million for the Cogswell Industrial Park. The Industrial Development Board of the City of Guntersville was allocated $611,162 for the Conners Island Business Park. All five awards cover site preparation and public infrastructure improvements.

The Growing Alabama program relies on private donors rather than direct state spending. Donors contribute funds to approved economic development organizations and receive a tax credit equal to the value of their contribution. This mechanism allows the state to leverage private capital for public infrastructure projects that support economic growth.

Commerce Secretary Ellen McNair stated that these improvements will help position the five communities to attract new opportunities. She noted that investing in site readiness today lays the groundwork for tomorrow’s jobs. The program has more than $29 million available this calendar year. Ivey announced approximately $20 million in awards in May.

Rural areas continue to receive a large portion of the available funds. In 2026, over 35% of the program’s funding has been awarded to Targeted Counties in rural Alabama. The program also allows for capital improvements at inland ports and agricultural center construction.