Macon County’s Economic Development Initiatives
Macon County is on a path to economic growth, thanks to investments backed by the state aimed at enhancing industrial readiness and attracting employment opportunities.
The Alabama Department of Commerce has awarded $2.7 million for the SEEDS program, which focuses on site assessment and economic development strategies. The Macon County Economic Development Bureau (MCEDA) is facilitating the acquisition and development of a 360-acre industrial site, characterized by its strong rail access and proximity to Interstate 85 and Moton Field Airport.
This site, which MCEDA has been pursuing for several years, is anticipated to become a hub for industrial investment, boosting Alabama’s range of competitive sites.
“Programs like Catalyst Strategic Plans and SEEDS give communities such as Macon County the necessary tools to thrive in today’s dynamic economy,” remarked Alabama Secretary of Commerce Ellen McNair.
She noted that this investment would help Macon County gain significant control over industrial sites that are well-positioned to attract growth and opportunities.
Before applying for the SEEDS grant, MCEDA had already invested nearly $150,000 in local funds for site management and due diligence, indicating strong local confidence in the area’s potential.
The site was initially considered for a foreign investment project, which was postponed due to economic conditions. However, MCEDA opted to resubmit the property for the SEEDS program to secure it for future development.
Currently, the site is actively marketed to potential clients, and two have already expressed considerable interest.
“This grant is a significant milestone for Macon County,” said Brenda Tuck, Rural Development Manager for the Alabama Department of Commerce. “MCEDA has tirelessly worked to position this site for success, and the SEEDS program is pivotal in realizing that vision.”
Tuck believes that this site will lure substantial investment and create jobs in the region.
Joe Turnham, the MCEDA director who spearheaded the SEEDS funding efforts, praised the collaboration with state partners, underscoring the site’s strategic importance.
“We are very appreciative of the Alabama Legislature, Governor Kay Ivey, and this opportunity to foster economic development in rural Alabama,” Turnham expressed. “Working together, we maximized resources and closed the competitive gap.”
Gateway Funding
In addition, Macon County has secured nearly $1.3 million from the Alabama Industrial Access Road & Bridge Corporation to support crucial highway improvements and industrial access.
The funding will enhance the Real Park, a 700-acre industrial development situated at I-85 exit 42, which can accommodate up to 6 million square feet of manufacturing, logistics, and warehousing space.
The first phase includes a 168,000-square-foot Class A industrial building, currently leased to Korean automotive suppliers Samkwan, which has invested $35 million and created 130 jobs on-site.
The new road infrastructure will facilitate the second phase of park development, paving the way for ongoing growth and additional recruitment efforts.
“These two pivotal investments demonstrate Macon County’s exceptional momentum,” Turnham added. “The county is now being recognized as a ‘new diamond in the I-85 corridor,’ showcasing outstanding sites, partners, people, and opportunities.”
He emphasized that the state’s active programs and financial assistance provide significant benefits and open doors for job creation that offer living wages and benefits for residents.
MCEDA acknowledged the invaluable support from the Macon County Commission, county engineer George Sims, and state legislators Pebblin Warren and Billy Beasley in making these projects a reality.
