Site readiness funding to support redevelopment of former U.S. Steel Ensley Works and Birmingport improvements
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (Feb. 12, 2026) — The City of Birmingham has been awarded a $2 million grant through Alabama’s SEEDS Act program to accelerate the transformation of its Western Corridor into a premier logistics and manufacturing hub. The funding will support site readiness activities designed to position the corridor for large-scale industrial investment and job creation.
The SEEDS Act (Site Evaluation and Economic Development Strategy) program provides funding to help communities prepare major industrial sites for competitive economic development projects. Birmingham’s grant will fund the first phase of redevelopment, including a comprehensive master plan and environmental studies for approximately 500 acres at the former U.S. Steel Ensley Works site, along with targeted improvements at the Birmingport facility.
“This $2 million investment is about positioning Birmingham for long-term economic growth,” said Mayor Randall L. Woodfin. “We are taking deliberate steps to prepare the Western Corridor for the next generation of industry. By investing in site readiness today, we are sending a clear message that Birmingham is open for business and ready to compete for high-quality jobs that will benefit our residents for decades.”
The Western Corridor offers strategic multimodal advantages, with access to interstate highways, Class I rail service, Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport, and inland waterway connections via the Port of Birmingport. City leaders say these assets create a strong foundation for attracting domestic and international manufacturers, distributors and supply-chain operators.
“This is an important step toward unlocking the full potential of our Western Corridor,” said District 8 City Councilor Sonja Smith. “With a renewed focus on smart, strategic development, we are positioning our district to compete for major employers and bring meaningful opportunities to local residents. This effort can expand access to quality jobs and drive long-term prosperity.”
Redevelopment of the historic Ensley Works property and modernization of Birmingport are expected to convert legacy industrial land into a market-ready asset for new investment. The initiative aligns with broader efforts to diversify Birmingham’s economy and strengthen its role in the Southeastern logistics and manufacturing landscape.
“This investment is ultimately about investing in people,” said Council Pro Tem LaTanya Tate of District 9. “Creating pathways to stable, well-paying jobs strengthens families and neighborhoods. Preparing this site for new industry helps build opportunity and hope for our entire community.”
Planning and evaluation work will begin immediately, marking the first step in a long-term strategy to attract major employers, generate quality jobs and enhance Birmingham’s competitiveness within the Southeast’s growing supply chain and industrial economy.
