April 13, 2026
Barton, Ala.-The Shoals area continues to develop sites primed and ready for industry. Today’s check presentation of a SEEDS Act Grant award from the Alabama Department of Commerce showcases a recent project aligned with this goal.
The Shoals Economic Development Authority (Shoals EDA) has secured a $3,030,248 Site Evaluation and Economic Development Strategy (SEEDS) site development grant from the State of Alabama. This grant will be used to acquire approximately 70 acres within the Barton Riverfront Industrial Park—creating a 131-acre contiguous site.
First enacted in 2023, the SEEDS Act is a grant program designed to help accelerate the development of new economic development sites across the state. The SEEDS Act addresses the need for quality industrial ready sites to ensure Alabama is ready for growth.
“Northwest Alabama has always been a place of hard work and determination, and this grant is a testament to what’s possible when the state and local partners invest in the same vision,” Governor Ivey said. “By expanding the Barton Riverfront Industrial Park into a 131-acre job-ready site, we’re opening the door for the kind of industry that creates careers for Colbert County families for generations to come.”
“Alabama’s SEEDS Act is doing exactly what it was designed to do — turning underutilized land into shovel-ready opportunity,” states Alabama Secretary of Commerce, Ellen McNair. “The Shoals EDA has shown the kind of forward- thinking approach that makes our state competitive, and this investment in the Barton Riverfront Industrial Park will position the region as a premier destination for advanced manufacturing, aerospace and defense and other high-value industries. When we invest in site readiness today, we give communities like The Shoals the competitive edge to win tomorrow.”
In today’s economic development landscape, it is important to proactively invest in site readiness to minimize risk and better position properties for future development. The Shoals EDA recognizes this importance and continually positions The Shoals as an ideal location for a variety of industries.
“We’re grateful to the State of Alabama for this SEEDS Act support, which allows us to continue building opportunity right here in the Shoals,” states Kevin Jackson, President of the Shoals EDA. “The acquisition and enhancement of property in Barton Riverfront Industrial Park strengthens our ability to attract new industry, support job creation, and position our region for long-term economic growth.”
This project will allow the Shoals EDA to acquire underutilized property within the Barton Riverfront Industrial Park and in turn implement site improvements to enhance the site’s aesthetics and development potential. Improvements will include clearing and grubbing of nearly 70 acres, as well as rough grading and seeding an approximately 44-acre development-ready pad.
The Shoals EDA was previously awarded a SEEDS Act assessment grant for the Barton Riverfront Industrial Park property in 2025. These studies and assessment confirmed the site as a viable and ideal opportunity for growth.
The Shoals EDA identified the Barton Riverfront Industrial Park as an ideal location for further development due to its key advantages. These include its proximity to major highways, potential rail infrastructure to the site, and robust utility availability- including electricity, water and gas. These advantages are ideal for recruiting in target sectors such as advanced manufacturing, aerospace and defense, and forestry products.
Along with the SEEDS Act grant, The Shoals EDA also received an InvestPrep Grant from the Tennessee Valley Authority Economic Development. These grants help make ambitious plans reality—ensuring The Shoals is ready for the next industrial community investment.
About the Shoals EDA
The Shoals Economic Development Authority (Shoals EDA) is a professional organization dedicated to economic development in Northwest Alabama, including Lauderdale and Colbert Counties. The Shoals EDA aids companies that are planning new or expanded facilities. The Authority serves as a point of contact to the network of private sector and local, state, and federal government entities that support a company relocation or expansion decision. It is organized as a public/private organization funded by local governments and area businesses. www.shoalseda.com
XXX