Foley, Ala. – A 121-acre parcel on the Foley Beach Express will become Baldwin County’s newest industrial development property as a joint project by the City of Foley, Baldwin Alliance, and the State Industrial Development Authority.
The City of Foley will buy the property near the southwest corner of the intersection of the Foley Beach Express and Baldwin Beach Express.
The State Industrial Development Authority approved a grant of $3.3 million for part of the purchase price. The grant is through the state’s Site Evaluation Economic Development Strategy (SEEDS) program.
The grant was announced on Thursday, March 19, by the Alabama Department of Commerce at the South Baldwin Chamber of Commerce’s Leadership Series.
Alabama Governor Kay Ivey said the project will be a major benefit for Foley and Alabama.
“Alabama is making smart, targeted investments to ensure communities like Foley continue to compete and win,” said Alabama Governor Kay Ivey. “Through our SEEDS program, we are strategically positioning this 121-acre site in Baldwin County for future, long-term growth and building on the strong economic momentum we’re seeing along our Gulf Coast. Alabama will not be slowing down when it comes to bringing good jobs and opportunities to every corner of our state.”
Mayor Ralph Hellmich said the acquisition will bring economic development and jobs to the area. He said the project has been a joint effort by many local, county, and state agencies.
“This announcement is a great step forward for Foley,” Hellmich said. “I want to thank the Foley team and our partners Baldwin Alliance, Riviera Utilities, Baldwin EMC, the Economic Development Partnership of Alabama (EDPA), the Alabama Department of Commerce, and Governor Kay Ivey.”
For Foley, the fastest-growing city in Alabama and the seventh-fastest-growing city in the United States, this investment represents both preparation and opportunity. Demand for development-ready industrial sites in Foley continues to build, making this investment critical to sustaining growth, attracting new employers, and generating quality jobs for the region.
“This is a major win for Foley and for Baldwin County,” said Lee Lawson, Baldwin Alliance president and chief executive officer. “Having development-ready sites is critical to competing for today’s economic development projects. This SEEDS grant represents a strategic investment in our future, ensuring we have the product in place to attract large-scale, high-impact industries that bring quality, high-paying jobs to our community.”
Since the beginning of the year, Governor Kay Ivey has announced the distribution of $15.7 million in funding to support 21 industrial sites across Alabama. The grants are part of the third round of the SEEDS program. Designed to strengthen the state’s competitiveness in attracting major economic development projects, the SEEDS initiative prepares sites for immediate industrial use through investments in land acquisition, site clearing and grading, environmental and geotechnical surveys, and infrastructure improvements.
Over the program’s three-year history, SEEDS, combined with required local matches, has driven a total investment of $138 million across 77 sites statewide, positioning Alabama for continued success in recruiting and expanding industry.
“The SEEDS program is about ensuring communities have the tools they need to compete and win,” said Ellen McNair, Secretary of the Alabama Department of Commerce. “Foley’s strategic investment demonstrates forward-thinking leadership and a commitment to preparing sites that meet the needs of today’s industrial prospects. This project strengthens Baldwin County’s position as a prime destination for high-impact economic development in Alabama.”
The Baldwin Alliance remains committed to working alongside state and local partners to recruit strategic projects that strengthen the local economy, diversify industry, and create sustainable opportunities for the citizens of Foley and Baldwin County.
About Baldwin Alliance
Baldwin Alliance is a coalition of public and private leaders working together to drive sustainable economic growth in Baldwin County. The organization is committed to promoting Baldwin County as a premier location in the U.S. for investment and continuing to raise the quality of life in the community.