Photo (L-R): Leigh Krehling, Opelika Community Relations Officer; April Gray, Alabama Department of Commerce; John Sweatman, Opelika Economic Development Director; Bill Parker, Opelika Industrial Development Authority Board; Opelika Mayor Gary Fuller; Jonathan Woodard, Opelika Economic Development Senior Project Manager; Joey Motley, Opelika City Administrator
The Opelika Industrial Development Authority has been awarded a SEEDS (Site Evaluation and Economic Development Strategy) grant, part of Governor Kay Ivey’s initiative to enhance industrial site readiness across Alabama. The funding is included in the $23.5 million in grants allocated by the State Industrial Development Authority (SIDA) to boost economic growth and attract new businesses to the state.
“This SEEDS grant represents a strategic investment in Opelika’s future and underscores our commitment to strengthening communities through smart, targeted infrastructure improvements,” said Ellen McNair, Secretary of the Alabama Department of Commerce. “By enhancing the city’s capacity for growth, we’re laying the foundation for long-term economic development and positioning Opelika to compete for new jobs and investment opportunities.”
The SEEDS grant will provide $750,350.00 in state funding, matched by an equal investment from the City of Opelika, bringing the total project investment to $1.5 million. These funds will be used to support the clearing, grading, and development of a 125-acre, pad-ready site within the 2,200-acre Northeast Opelika Industrial Park (NEOIP).
“This grant is a game-changer for Opelika,” said Mayor Gary Fuller. “It enables us to proactively prepare industrial property and attract major employers to our community. The SEEDS program gives communities like ours the resources to invest in long-term growth and job creation. We’re proud to partner with the State of Alabama on this critical initiative.”
Strategically located along the I‑85 corridor with access to CSX rail and close proximity to Hartsfield–Jackson International Airport, the NEOIP is positioned to attract advanced manufacturing and industrial investment looking to take advantage of the significant growth across the Southeastern U.S.
“This investment gives us a distinct competitive edge,” added Economic Development Director John Sweatman. “We’re grateful to the Alabama Department of Commerce and Governor Kay Ivey for recognizing Opelika’s potential.”
The SEEDS grant is part of a broader statewide initiative led by Governor Ivey to expand Alabama’s inventory of industrial-ready sites and ensure long-term economic competitiveness.
For more information, contact Jonathan Woodard, Senior Project Manager for Opelika Economic Development at jwoodard@opelika-al.gov.
