Etowah County Secures Additional Funding for Infrastructure Development

The Etowah County Commission has received a second Seeds Grant aimed at enhancing water and sewer infrastructure near the megasite, continuing Alabama’s commitment to economic development in the region.

This new funding, provided by the Alabama Industrial Development Agency (SIDA) through the SEEDS program, is intended to improve site preparation for industrial projects.

The grant amounts to $3.3 million, supplemented by a local contribution of $2.5 million. It will cover the installation of the final 2.5 miles of waterline along Canoe Creek Road. This extension will connect a 500,000-gallon elevated water tank situated under Interstate 59 to the recently completed waterline that currently ends at Steel Station Road.

“This seed grant is a game-changer for Etowah County,” noted Joey Stites, the chairman. “It enables us to enhance our preparations for megasites, which are crucial for attracting industrial investments that create jobs.”

He expressed gratitude to the state for recognizing the site’s potential and supporting its development efforts.

The Seeds Program is part of Governor Ivey’s 2023 Game Plan, which highlights the urgent need for quality industrial sites, especially as other states ramp up their similar initiatives for economic advancement.

The initial round of funding from the SEEDS program, totaling $30.1 million in 2024, was matched by $38.4 million in local contributions across 29 industrial sites. Among these allocations was a $4.6 million grant for another nearby megasite.

This second round of grants, announced in February, totaled $23.5 million, supported by local matches of over $17 million across 29 sites, which included the $3.3 million grant for Etowah County.

The Seeds Grant is viewed as a strategic investment for the future of regional megasites in northeastern Alabama, poised to drive long-term growth and job creation in Etowah County.

“Its prime location and robust infrastructure are key assets in Alabama’s economic development strategy, aimed at attracting significant projects that will benefit both the region and the state,” she mentioned.

Alongside the Seeds Grant, the Etowah County Commission also awarded a $3.8 million bid for the final phase of the water project, which involves extending over a mile of sewer lines to the interstate. The project, designed by Goodwyn Mills Cawood, was awarded to a local contractor focused on grading and excavation.

“We can eventually fill up the tank,” said Commissioner Craig In Jr., who has dedicated considerable time as commissioner to this project. “We’ve made substantial progress over the last five years.” He added, “Now, it’s just about finding the right industry for this site and for Etowah County.”