A state grant awarded to Foley will help create new opportunities for jobs, business growth and long-term economic development in the city and throughout Baldwin County.
On June 1, representatives from the Economic Development Partnership of Alabama presented Foley with a grant of nearly $3.33 million through the state’s Site Evaluation Economic Development Strategy (SEEDS) program. The funding will support the acquisition of a 121-acre property on the Foley Beach Express that will become Baldwin County’s newest industrial development site.
The property, located near the southwest corner of the intersection of the Foley Beach Express and Baldwin Beach Express, is a joint economic development project involving the City of Foley, Baldwin Alliance and the State of Alabama.
Gov. Kay Ivey said the investment will help support continued growth in one of Alabama’s fastest-growing regions.
“Foley and Baldwin County are some of the fastest-growing areas of not just Alabama, but the nation, and this targeted investment in development guarantees sustainable future economic growth and quality jobs for the region,” Ivey said in a statement. “Helping communities acquire and make ready industrial spaces was the goal of the SEEDS program, and my administration is pleased to see the results here in Foley and across the state.”
The Alabama Industrial Development Authority approved the grant as part of the SEEDS initiative, which helps communities acquire and prepare industrial sites to attract new business investment.
Foley Mayor Ralph Hellmich said the project represents an investment in the city’s future workforce and economy.
“As our area develops, this will provide opportunities for quality employment for not only our current residents, but upcoming generations,” Hellmich said. “New industries and businesses will need locations where they can build and grow. With Foley’s continued growth, our current industrial park is filling up. This project helps ensure we are prepared for future opportunities.”
Hellmich said the effort reflects strong partnerships among local and state organizations, including Baldwin Alliance, Alabama Economic Development, Gov. Ivey’s administration, Riviera Utilities, Baldwin EMC and other supporters.
“This is another example of how we are working with the state and county to improve our economy and prepare for the future,” Hellmich said.
Lee Lawson, president and chief executive officer of Baldwin Alliance, said development-ready sites are essential for attracting major employers.
“This is a major win for Foley and for Baldwin County,” Lawson said. “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.”
State Sen. Chris Elliott said the project builds on Baldwin County’s success in attracting major industrial investments.
“The foresight shown by Baldwin County commissions of the past, with investments in development-ready industrial sites and projects such as Novelis, demonstrated the importance of being prepared when competing globally,” Elliott said. “The SEEDS program encourages that same vision and partnership between the state and local communities, positioning innovative cities like Foley for long-term growth and economic diversification.”
Alabama Secretary of Commerce Ellen McNair said the project demonstrates the state’s commitment to helping communities compete for future industrial recruitment opportunities.
“We know that U.S. and global manufacturers are seeking locations with prepared infrastructure, a skilled workforce and access to major transportation corridors,” McNair said. “Foley and Baldwin County leadership should be commended for creating a site that meets those needs.”
The industrial development site is located east of the intersection of Alabama 59 and the Foley Beach Express. A state review committee selected the Foley property as the top candidate among 16 potential industrial sites evaluated across Alabama.
As one of the fastest-growing cities in Alabama, Foley continues to see increasing demand for development-ready industrial property. City leaders said the investment will help sustain economic growth, attract new employers and create quality job opportunities for residents throughout the region.