The Walker County Economic & Industrial Development Authority, State Senator Greg Reed (R-Jasper), President Pro Tempore of the Alabama Senate, Representative Matt Woods (R-Jasper), and Representative Tim Wadsworth (R-Arley) announced a $4,717,945 allocation through the State, Growing Alabama program to be used for site development on the new Walker County, Heritage Industrial Park.
The Growing Alabama Act provides a funding mechanism for Economic Development Organizations like the Walker County Development Authority to undertake projects for the purpose of stimulating economic growth. Through this innovative program, Alabama taxpayers can make cash contributions to qualified economic development organizations for approved projects and receive a Growing Alabama tax credit equal to their cash contribution. Donors with sufficient tax liability and a willingness to participate in the program are the ultimate source of funds providedfor the project.
“The trajectory of Walker County’s economic development accomplishments is incredible,” said Senator Greg Reed. “I am ecstatic that the Walker County Economic & Industrial Development Authority has been awarded $4.7 million through the Growing Alabama program. This is a testament to the hard work and dedication of talented individuals to create, develop, and implement a vision for what economic development in our area can be. These funds to help build a new industrial park in Walker County will bring high paying jobs to people in our area and make a huge difference in our local communities. I want to thank Governor Ivey, Secretary Ellen McNair, David Knight, and other elected officials who helped make this welcomed news a reality.”
The Development Authority submitted a Growing Alabama application to the Department of Commerce in May of 2024. The application was approved by the Renewal of Alabama Commission on June 28. The Development Authority has already identified and secured commitments from donors that will fully fund the $4.7 million authorized by the Renewal Commission.
David Knight, Executive Director of the Walker County Development Authority said, “The Growing Alabama program is a tremendous tool that allows private investment to help fund public projects. It is a critical component of Alabama’s team approach to economic development. We are grateful to the Department of Commerce for their continued support and to the Renewal Commission for their belief in our project and the impact it will have on Walker County and the State of Alabama.”
“This historic $4.7 million Growing Alabama allocation will be a game changer for Walker County,” said Representative Matt Woods. “This funding paves the way for the new 200 acre ‘Heritage Industrial Park’ and will open the door to recruiting larger industrial manufacturers. Renewing the Growing Alabama tax credit was a top priority for me during the 2022 legislative session. I knew this program could potentially help us create hundreds of good paying jobs for our citizens. Securing these funds takes us one step closer to that goal and I am incredibly thankful the Alabama Renewal Commission saw the merit in this project. The Walker County Development Authority put together an exceptional application and has been working on this for a long time, so it is exciting to see their efforts being rewarded. I appreciate the support of Senator Reed as he has championed industrial development opportunities in Walker County throughout his service. The future is bright, and I look forward to continuing to work with our delegation to find innovative ways to move our county forward.”
Knight commented, “Over the past two years, the Development Authority and the Walker County Commission have been working diligently to turn the concept of a County Industrial Park into a reality. The County Commission stepped up in a big way, providingthe local funds needed to proceed with the purchase of the property in May of this year. In addition to the local funds, the Development Authority was able to secure an additional $343,200 in State SEEDS Grant funding to reduce the local money required for the purchase.
Steve Miller, Chairman of the Walker County Commission thanked the Development Authority and the legislative delegation for their leadership and efforts to move Walker County forward. “The Walker County Commission is thrilled by the Growing Alabama funds approved for this project. This incredible level of support validates our vision and efforts to promote economic development within Walker County,” he said.
Representative Tim Wadsworth said “Thanks to the hard work and dedication of Senator Reed, David Knight, Representative Matt Woods, and the Walker County Commission, these Growing Alabama funds will enhance the areas facilities, improve infrastructure, and create new opportunities for business to developalong Interstate 22.
“The Walker County Development Authority is currently finalizing site and infrastructure plans and work on the property should begin in October,” Knight said.
