OXFORD, Ala. (March 26, 2026) — The Calhoun County Economic Development Council (EDC) has secured $2.06 million in funding through Alabama’s Site Evaluation and Economic Development Strategy (SEEDS) program to support industrial site development and expand the Oxford West Industrial Park.
The award, presented by the Alabama Department of Commerce, will be used to prepare a newly acquired 115-acre property for industrial use. Once complete, the expansion will increase the industrial park’s footprint to approximately 530 acres, strengthening the region’s capacity to attract advanced manufacturing and other industrial investment.
Administered by the Alabama Department of Commerce and the State Industrial Development Authority, the SEEDS program was established as part of Governor Kay Ivey’s statewide economic development strategy to ensure communities have development-ready sites that can compete for new projects.
“Site readiness is an important factor in attracting new manufacturing companies,” said Don Hopper, Executive Director of the Calhoun County Economic Development Council. “By preparing this property now, we are positioning Calhoun County to respond quickly when companies are ready to locate.”
The expanded Oxford West Industrial Park offers access to a regional workforce of approximately 800,000 people, including more than 375,000 individuals in the labor force. The area is supported by five higher education institutions, providing strong workforce development pipelines and opportunities for technical training and industry collaboration.
Ellen McNair, Secretary of the Alabama Department of Commerce, said the SEEDS initiative continues to strengthen Alabama’s competitiveness in industrial recruitment.
“Ready-to-build sites are a critical asset in attracting high-quality investment and job creation,” McNair said. “This strategic effort by Calhoun County leaders will help position the region for continued economic success.”
Local officials and EDC leadership joined state representatives to mark the milestone and highlight the collaborative approach driving the project forward.
“This investment reflects our shared vision for long-term economic growth,” said Larry Deason, Chairman of the Calhoun County Economic Development Council. “By prioritizing industrial site readiness, we are creating opportunities that will generate lasting economic impact for our communities.”
Oxford Mayor Alton Craft also emphasized the importance of regional collaboration in preparing for future industry recruitment.
“We appreciate the EDC’s leadership in advancing this project,” Craft said. “Expanding the industrial park strengthens Oxford’s ability to attract companies that bring quality jobs and investment to our community.”
The SEEDS funding builds on additional momentum generated in late 2025, when the EDC secured $2 million in Growing Alabama tax credits to support infrastructure improvements and site preparation. Together, the SEEDS grant and Growing Alabama funding represent more than $4 million in strategic investment dedicated to developing pad-ready industrial sites within the Oxford West Industrial Park.
