A state grant of nearly $3.33 million will help transform a 121-acre parcel along the Foley Beach Express into Baldwin County’s newest industrial development site.

Local and state leaders say the project will create jobs, attract new businesses and strengthen the region’s economy.

Greg Blalock of the Economic Development Partnership of Alabama presented the grant check to Foley on June 1. The funding was approved by the Alabama Industrial Development Authority through the state’s Site Evaluation Economic Development Strategy, or SEEDS, program and will cover part of the city’s purchase of the property.

Foley purchased the 121-acre tract near the southwest corner of the intersection of the Foley Beach Express and Baldwin Beach Express. The project is a joint effort involving the city of Foley, Baldwin Alliance and the state of Alabama.

The site is located on the Foley Beach Express east of the intersection with Alabama 59. A state committee selected the property as the best of 16 potential industrial sites evaluated across Alabama.

Gov. Kay Ivey said the investment will support continued growth in one of the state’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.”

Foley Mayor Ralph Hellmich said the project represents a long-term investment in both the local economy and the community.

"As our area develops, this will provide opportunities for quality employment for not only our current residents, but upcoming generations," Hellmich said. "New industries, new businesses will need locations where they can build. With Foley's growth, our current industrial park is being filled."

Hellmich credited the project to a partnership involving Foley, Baldwin Alliance, Alabama Economic Development, Ivey, 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 industrial 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. R-32, said the project builds on Baldwin County’s history of preparing industrial sites to compete for major economic development opportunities.

“The foresight shown by Baldwin County Commissions of the past, with its investment in the Mega Site, and the success of the Novelis project demonstrated the criticality of development-ready sites when competing globally," Elliott said. "The state’s Site Evaluation Economic Development Strategy instituted by the Alabama Legislature encourages that same foresight and investment in concert with local communities to well position innovative cities like Foley for future, long-term growth and a strong, diversified future building on their already impressive economic momentum.”

Alabama Secretary of Commerce Ellen McNair said the investment demonstrates the state’s commitment to preparing communities for future industrial recruitment efforts.

“We know that U.S. and global manufacturers are seeking spaces where they’ll find the prepared infrastructure, trained workforce and proximity to transportation thoroughfares they need to be successful,” McNair said. “Foley and Baldwin County leadership should be commended for creating a space that checks all those boxes.”

Foley is among the fastest-growing cities in Alabama and the nation. Officials said demand for development-ready industrial sites in the area continues to increase, making the investment important for sustaining growth, attracting new employers and generating quality jobs throughout the region.

The Foley announcement follows other recent SEEDS funding awards for industrial development sites in Covington County and Colbert County.