MOBILE, Ala. – The Mobile Airport Authority (MAA) has been awarded a $2 million grant designed to drive the expansion of the Brookley Aeroplex. This funding, part of the State Industrial Development Authority’s (SIDA) broader initiative, known as the Site Evaluation and Economic Development Strategy Act (SEEDS), aims to strengthen Alabama’s Industrial infrastructure.

Governor Kay Ivey’s recent announcement of over $30 million in SEEDS grants highlights efforts to accelerate industry-ready site development statewide. With a total of $30.1 million in SEEDS funding, bolstered by $38.4 million in local contributions, Alabama aims to attract transformative economic projects that create jobs and opportunities.

“We are grateful for the support provided through SEEDS, which gives us the chance to grow the Brookley Aeroplex and attract new opportunities to our community,” said Mobile Airport Authority President Chris Curry. ”As we move forward with the Brookley Expansion Project, we’re dedicated to making the most of this grant to benefit Mobile.”

The groundbreaking grant program — a key portion of the governor’s “Game Plan” package of economic development bills approved by the Legislature last year — takes direct aim at the urgent need for quality industrial sites in Alabama at a time when other states are spending heavily to expand their site programs.

“SEEDS represents an important tool that will allow us to keep winning those economic development projects that trigger lasting impacts for Alabama citizens,” said Governor Ivey. “The awarding of the first grants under the program represents a milestone in our efforts to make sure Alabama remains competitive for game-changing growth projects.”

This grant is a significant boost for the expansion of the Mobile International Airport and surrounding property. The specific use of this grant money involves purchasing 272 acres of property from the Mobile Housing Authority for light industrial development.

“The Mobile Chamber greatly appreciates Governor Kay Ivey’s dedication to economic development in Alabama,” said Mobile Chamber President and CEO Bradley Byrne. “We at the Mobile Chamber are particularly proud to have played a role in helping to secure a portion of this funding for the Mobile Airport Authority. Our collaboration with MAA throughout the application process and site evaluation exemplifies the positive outcomes that can be achieved through strategic partnerships.”

”We deeply appreciate Governor Kay Ivey and the State Industrial Development Authority for their continued investment in Mobile International Airport,” said Mobile Airport Authority Chairman Elliot Maisel. ”This $2 million grant is a testament to the MAA’s vision that is the Mobile International Airport. Our International Airport, with continuing help from the state of Alabama, will be transformative for our city, region, and all of our citizens.”

The approved SEEDs grants will help facilitate the development of industrial sites in both large Alabama cities and small, rural communities. Both large-scale sites and smaller industrial parks will benefit from funding.

“Alabama is the best place in the country to develop and grow a business. As legislators, it is our job to make sure people and businesses have the resources they need to make a meaningful impact for their families and communities,” said Pro Tem Greg Reed.

“The SEEDS Act does just that by allowing local economic development organizations the opportunity to help cultivate economic sites across our great state. I look forward to seeing how this exciting and groundbreaking legislation helps better Alabama so we can continue to be the best state to call sweet home,” he added. 

“Our goal with the Game Plan was to ensure Alabama continues to have the necessary tools to compete and win on the national stage. The SEEDS Act positions our local developers to stand out from out-of-state competitors and is vital to our long-term economic development strategy,” said Speaker Nathaniel Ledbetter. “This legislation is already proving to be transformative for Alabama’s economy, and I look forward to continuing to watch it work for our state.”