Tuscaloosa will use $296K SEEDS grant to attract more businesses

Every investment requires seed money, and the Tuscaloosa County Economic Development Authority can continue laying groundwork with a recently-announced $296,000 grant, through Alabama's SEEDS (Site Evaluation and Economic Development Strategy) program.

The funds will be used for environmental studies, geotechnical analysis and infrastructure planning near the Tuscaloosa National Airport, and its nearby industrial park. This grant is the largest such awarded through the State Industrial Development Authority, TCEDA said.

Businesses seeking to move here want to know the footing is solid, so SEEDS money will help provide specifications, to lay foundations for long-term success, said Steven Rumsey, TCEDA board chair.

“By conducting thorough site assessments, we can provide prospective industries with the confidence they need to invest here," Rumsey said in a written release.

TCEDA will begin SEEDS work with engineers, environmental specialists, and site consultants at the 1,000-acre Tuscaloosa County Airport Industrial Park, and a more recently defined 390 acres along the Black Warrior River, adjacent to Tuscaloosa National Airport.

The industrial park, begun in the 1980s, is currently home to 17 domestic and international investments, employing more than 1,600 people.

The other 390 acres should be extra attractive to development, TCEDA said, thanks to local and state-funded efforts to improve the airport's runway, construct a cargo terminal, and renovate and expand the existing terminal.

Tuscaloosa area leaders echoed the importance of site preparation.

“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," said Tuscaloosa Mayor Walt Maddox.

“The ability to provide ready‐to‐develop sites is a key factor in attracting new businesses andexpanding existing ones," said Rob Robertson, Tuscaloosa County probate judge, and commission chairman.

"This investment will strengthen our ability to recruit high‐quality industries, benefiting Northport and the entire Tuscaloosa County region," said John Hinton, Northport mayor.

Incorporated in 1975 as the Tuscaloosa County Industrial Development Authority ― the board adopted the new name in 2021 ― it was among the major players in Project Rosewood, created to lure Mercedes-Benz to Alabama.

The 1993 selection of Vance in Tuscaloosa County was a come-from-behind victory that's created billions in local and regional investment. That coup also jump-started the auto industry in Alabama, which since Mercedes-Benz has landed Honda, Hyundai, Mazda-Toyota plants.

The Mercedes-Benz U.S. Internationa plant has also drawn numerous satellite supply industries and become the second-largest employer in the county after the University of Alabama, at 4,500 and 6,839 jobs, respectively.

TCEDA provides potential investors with site location data, including available places and buildings, and can also assist with information on financing, incentives, employee training, and quality of life.

For more about TCEDA and the Tuscaloosa County Industrial Park, see www.tcoeda.com.

Reach Mark Hughes Cobb atmark.cobb@tuscaloosanews.com.