Ivey awards $26M in Growing Alabama funds to economic development projects, including three in the Black Belt

Gov. Kay Ivey has announced more than $25.9 million in Growing Alabama funding to support economic development projects across 15 communities in Alabama, including two projects in Dallas County and another in Montgomery.

After a speech to the Economic Development Association of Alabama on Monday, Ivey announced the funds are being allocated to reinforce the state’s commitment to long-term job creation and site readiness, according to a statement.

The allocation includes $1.26 million to Craig Field Airport & Industrial Authority for improvements at Craig Field Industrial Park and $186,025 to the South Dallas Industrial Development Authority for South Dallas Industrial Park.

Also in the Black Belt, the Alabama State Port Authority got $3.55 million for the Montgomery Intermodal Container Transfer Facility.

The allocations, made by the Renewal of Alabama Commission, are part of the 2025 Growing Alabama program, which authorizes up to $26 million in funding this calendar year. More than 27% of this year’s allocations were awarded to targeted counties in a key focus area of the state’s strategic plan for stimulating growth in rural areas.

“Growing Alabama is one of the most effective tools we have to strengthen our economic foundation and prepare communities — both large and small — for future growth,” Ivey said. “These investments are paving the way for high-quality jobs, business expansion and long-term prosperity across every corner of our state.”

The projects supported through this year’s funding include critical site development and public infrastructure improvements designed to enhance the competitiveness of industrial parks and strategic assets statewide.

“The Growing Alabama program continues to deliver real results for Alabama communities,” said Alabama Department of Commerce Secretary Ellen McNair. “This funding allows local leaders to fast-track site preparation and compete for game-changing economic development projects. It’s a smart, strategic investment in Alabama’s future.”

The 2025 Growing Alabama awards also went to the City of Prattville with $4.9 million for Prattville South Industrial Park, Dothan Industrial Development Board with $3.26 million for the Houston County Distribution Park, Mobile Airport Authority with $2.5 million for the Brookley Expansion Site, Cleburne County Commission with $2 million for the MC3 Property, Lake Martin Industrial Development Authority with $2 million for industrial site improvements, Calhoun County Economic Development Council with $2 million for industrial site development, City of Hamilton with $1.47 million for Hamilton I-22 Industrial Park, Jasper Industrial Development Board with $949,150 for Jasper Industrial Park, Opelika Industrial Development Authority with $921,310 for Opelika Innovation & Technology Park, City of Cullman with $750,000 for Frank Research and Technology Park, City of Ozark with $150,000: Ozark Airport Industrial Site, and Ozark-Dale County Economic Development Corporation with $24,856 for Ozark Industrial Park.

The Growing Alabama program prepares sites for future development, which is key for businesses looking to build and expand. The program provides tax credits to eligible taxpayers who make contributions to approved economic development organizations.

In return, donors receive a tax credit equal to the value of their contribution, creating a mutually beneficial path toward advancing industrial development across the state.

Eligible projects for the Growing Alabama program include site preparation and infrastructure improvements on public land for industrial use, capital improvements at inland ports and intermodal facilities, as well as agricultural center construction and maintenance.

The Alabama Department of Commerce administers the Growing Alabama program, and all applications are approved by the Renewal of Alabama Commission, which is chaired by Secretary McNair.

For more information on the Growing Alabama program, contact Rachel Madore, Chief Business Intelligence and Incentives Officer at the Alabama Department of Commerce, at (334)557-3431 or rachel.madore@commerce.alabama.gov.