Springville site development project positions I-59 corridor for industrial growth and job creation
SPRINGVILLE, Ala. — A $3.8 million Growing Alabama grant is set to accelerate development of a new rail-served commerce park in Springville, strengthening St. Clair County’s industrial site inventory and creating new opportunities for regional economic growth.
The St. Clair County Economic Development Council (EDC) announced the award, which will fund site clearing and preparation for the new commerce park located along the Interstate 59 corridor. The project is supported through a partnership among the City of Springville, the St. Clair County Commission, the Industrial Development Board of St. Clair County, the State of Alabama and private donors, including Norfolk Southern.
State and local leaders say the investment represents a strategic move to increase Alabama’s portfolio of development-ready, rail-accessible sites — a key factor in modern industrial recruitment.
Strengthening Alabama’s Site Readiness
Governor Kay Ivey emphasized that preparing industrial sites remains one of the most effective ways to attract high-quality employers.
“Springville’s new commerce park will provide jobs and opportunity for hundreds of Alabamians, and its impact will surely be felt across St. Clair County and surrounding communities,” Ivey said. “Alabama is open for business, and one of the key ways we show that support is by helping local governments prepare industrial sites to welcome world-class companies.”
The Growing Alabama program serves as a public-private partnership that channels funding into site development, infrastructure upgrades and community readiness. Donors to approved projects receive state income tax credits, creating a unique incentive model that encourages private investment in public-benefit projects.
Collaboration Driving Growth
Ellen McNair, Secretary of the Alabama Department of Commerce, noted that collaboration is central to successful economic development outcomes.
“The most successful economic development projects happen when everyone works together toward a common goal,” McNair said. “Growing Alabama is an example of that teamwork, and great things happen when communities share a vision for building prosperity.”
Local officials say the Springville Commerce Park will expand the county’s ability to compete for industrial projects and large employers seeking rail access and interstate connectivity.
“This is not just a Springville commerce park but an I-59 commerce park,” said Springville Mayor Austin Phillips. “It will help employ citizens from surrounding counties and support broader regional growth.”
St. Clair County Commission Chairman Stan Batemon echoed the importance of partnerships in bringing the project to life.
“We couldn’t have better partners than the state of Alabama, the City of Springville and private donors like Norfolk Southern,” Batemon said. “We work closely to support all our communities across the county.”
Rail Access as a Competitive Advantage
Norfolk Southern’s involvement underscores the strategic value of rail-served sites in today’s industrial market.
“We’re proud to champion St. Clair County’s vision for building an industrial hub on Norfolk Southern’s rail network,” said Tyler Preast, Senior Manager of Industrial Development for Norfolk Southern. “Rail connectivity helps attract forward-thinking companies and supports the creation of high-quality jobs.”
The new commerce park has the potential to support more than 1,000 jobs across multiple employers once fully developed.
Part of a Statewide Strategy
Growing Alabama continues to support site development projects across the state. In 2025 alone, more than $25.9 million in program funding has been directed to communities statewide, reinforcing Alabama’s focus on site readiness as a cornerstone of its economic development strategy.
Birmingham Business Alliance President and CEO Steve Ammons said the Springville project reflects the importance of local and regional alignment.
“State funding is most effective when projects reflect strong local, county and regional collaboration,” Ammons said. “This investment positions St. Clair County for long-term economic vitality.”
