Fayette receives $733,700 SEEDS grant for industrial site project

March 28, 2025 – FAYETTE, AL - Alabama Governor Kay Ivey (R) announced that the City of Fayette has received a $733,700 grant through the SEEDS program to allow local officials to purchase property for a prime industrial site. The hope is that this effort will accelerate economic growth in this rural West Alabama region.

The Industrial Development Board of the City of Fayette (Fayette IDB) plans to purchase land to establish the North Fayette Industrial Site. The 76-acre site, with frontage on Highway 43 (the future West Central Alabama Highway), is near Bevill State Community College Fayette campus, Walmart and other key assets.

Economic developer Dr. Nicole J. Wadsworth told the Alabama Gazette, "Congratulations to Fayette on receiving a $733,700 SEEDS grant for the North Fayette Industrial Site. Site Evaluation and Economic Development Strategy (SEEDS) grants help Alabama communities attract new businesses and facilitate job creation by funding site assessments, infrastructure improvements, and strategic planning."

Rod Northam is the Mayor of Fayette.

"The City of Fayette is thrilled to see the North Fayette Industrial Site moving closer to becoming a hub of economic activity," said Mayor Northam. "This grant from the SEEDS program is a testament to the collaborative efforts of our community and state partners. It underscores our shared commitment to fostering growth and creating new opportunities for our residents. We look forward to the positive impact this development will have on our local economy and the future of Fayette."

Larry Pinkerton is the Chairman of the Fayette Industrial Development Board.

Pinkerton said that the SEEDS grant was made possible by teamwork between key players in Fayette County and the Northwest Alabama Economic Development Alliance, also known as C3.

"The Fayette Industrial Development Board set our sights on the North Fayette Industrial Site about seven years ago." Pinkerton said. "We believe this site is the best location in Fayette County and will provide new opportunities for industrial growth."

Ellen McNair is the Secretary of the Alabama Department of Commerce. McNair said that the SEEDS grant represents a major step in strengthening the Fayette region's competitiveness for economic growth.

"By enhancing site readiness, this investment ensures Fayette is well-positioned to attract new businesses and job opportunities," Secretary McNair said. "The SEEDS program continues to be a game-changer for rural counties across Alabama, providing the resources needed to make industrial sites more attractive to prospective employers.

Dr. Jones Wadsworth said, "The grants make industrial sites more competitive and marketable on regional, national, and global levels, which boosts economic growth and investment in urban and rural areas throughout our state."

The property as all major utilities on or near the property line. This strategically located and easy-to-develop site positions Fayette to attract new industries and support expansion projects. The Fayette IDB is committed to preparing this new industrial park to be site ready as quickly as possible.

The grant will cover two-thirds of the cost of acquiring the property, with the IDB funding the remaining third. The Fayette IDB will own the property.

"Thanks to Governor Ivey and the Alabama Legislature's support, we are seeing real momentum in rural economic development, paving the way for long-term prosperity in communities like Fayette," Secretary McNair said.

Brenda Tuck is the Rural Development Manager for the Alabama Department of Commerce.

"This investment is another strong step forward in positioning Fayette as a prime location for business growth," Tuck said. "By improving site readiness, we're laying the groundwork for new opportunities that will benefit local businesses, job seekers, and the entire community. The SEEDS program is a testament to Alabama's commitment to ensuring rural communities have the tools they need to thrive."