Tuscaloosa County is taking a major step forward in its efforts to attract new industries, thanks to a $296,000 grant from Alabama’s Site Evaluation and Economic Development Strategy (SEEDS) program. The funding will be used by the Tuscaloosa County Economic Development Authority (TCEDA) to prepare key industrial sites for future development.
The grant, the largest of its kind awarded by the State Industrial Development Authority, will support environmental assessments, geotechnical studies, and infrastructure planning for land near the Tuscaloosa National Airport. The work will focus on two significant areas: the well-established 1,000-acre Tuscaloosa County Airport Industrial Park and a newly defined 390-acre site located along the Black Warrior River.
TCEDA plans to collaborate with engineers, environmental experts, and site development consultants to gather crucial data that will aid in marketing these sites to prospective investors. Site readiness has become a top priority in economic development, as companies seek locations with verified infrastructure and environmental stability.
The industrial park, originally developed in the 1980s, currently supports 17 domestic and international businesses and employs more than 1,600 people. The adjacent 390-acre site is expected to offer strong appeal for future investment due in part to ongoing improvements to the airport’s infrastructure. These include upgrades to the runway, a new cargo terminal, and renovations to the existing passenger terminal—projects supported by both local and state funding.
According to TCEDA leadership, providing detailed site data helps build trust with potential investors and accelerates the decision-making process. They believe that proactive preparation will position Tuscaloosa as a prime location for job-creating industries.
City officials also emphasized that having development-ready sites is essential for long-term economic growth. They view the SEEDS grant as a strategic investment in Tuscaloosa’s future, one that will enhance the city’s competitiveness and expand opportunities for business expansion and job creation.
