Featured Stories
TDEC Names Clearloop and Jackson-Madison County School System Governor's Environmental Stewardship Award Recipients
NASHVILLE, Tennessee, July 18 -- The Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation issued the following news release:
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TDEC Names Clearloop and Jackson-Madison County School System Governor's Environmental Stewardship Award Recipients
2026 Marks the 40th year for program that recognizes a commitment to preserving Tennessee's natural resources
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The Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation has named Clearloop and Jackson-Madison County School System (JMCSS) as the recipients of the 2026 Governor's Environmental Stewardship Award for Environmental Education and Outreach.
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NASHVILLE, Tennessee, July 18 -- The Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation issued the following news release:
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TDEC Names Clearloop and Jackson-Madison County School System Governor's Environmental Stewardship Award Recipients
2026 Marks the 40th year for program that recognizes a commitment to preserving Tennessee's natural resources
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The Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation has named Clearloop and Jackson-Madison County School System (JMCSS) as the recipients of the 2026 Governor's Environmental Stewardship Award for Environmental Education and Outreach.This year marks the 40th anniversary of the Governor's Environmental Stewardship Awards which honors individuals, businesses, and other organizations for their commitment to preserving the state's natural resources.
The award for Environmental Education and Outreach recognizes outstanding initiatives that inspire environmental stewardship, increase public awareness, and lead to meaningful environmental protection.
Clearloop and JMCSS, in partnership with Silicon Ranch and the national nonprofit KidWind, launched Energize STEM, an innovative, teacher-centered program that connects renewable energy infrastructure directly to classroom learning. The initiative equips Tennessee educators with standards-aligned training, hands-on materials, and real-world energy data transforming a local solar facility into a living learning laboratory for students across rural and historically underserved communities. During the 2024-2025 school year, trained educators reached more than 2,500 students, embedding renewable energy instruction into required coursework.
Energize STEM's impact is grounded in measurable environmental data from the 1 MW Silicon Ranch Jackson II solar project, giving students tangible insight into how clean energy works and what it means for their own communities.
Within its first year, Energize STEM expanded from Jackson to Haywood County Schools in Brownsville, training an additional 28 teachers. As of 2026, the program has engaged 80 teachers across 23 schools, with expansion underway in Tennessee, Arkansas, and Louisiana. Two schools supported by Energize STEM have advanced toward Tennessee's State STEM School Designation, demonstrating the program's systemic impact.
There are ten categories for the Governor's Environmental Stewardship Awards. Other recipients include:
* Agriculture and Forestry - Cumberland River Compact
* Building Green - iFixit
* Clean Air and Transportation Solutions - Clarksville-Montgomery County School System
* Energy and Renewable Resources - Memphis Light, Gas and Water
* Materials Management - Toyota Boshoku Tennessee LLC
* Natural Resources - Keep the Tennessee River Beautiful
* Pursuit of Excellence - OxyChem
* Sustainable Performance - Carlex Glass America, LLC
* Water Quality - Tennessee Wildlife Resource Agency
The Robert Sparks Walker Lifetime Achievement Award will be announced at the Governor's Environmental Stewardship Awards event in September.
For more information on the recipients and the awards program, visit the Governor's Environmental Stewardship Awards website (https://www.tn.gov/content/tn/environment/stewardship/gesa.html).
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Original text here: https://www.tn.gov/environment/news/2026/7/17/tdec-gesa2026-clearloop-and-jackson-madison-county-school-system.html
S.D. Gov. Rhoden Mourns Loss of Denny Sanford
PIERRE, South Dakota, July 18 -- Gov. Larry Rhoden, R-South Dakota, issued the following news release:
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Gov. Rhoden Mourns Loss of Denny Sanford
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PIERRE, S.D. - Today, Governor Larry Rhoden mourned the loss of businessman and philanthropist T. Denny Sanford.
"It is with great sadness that Sandy and I mourn the loss of T. Denny - a man who has so generously and intentionally invested in the great state of South Dakota," said Governor Larry Rhoden. "His contributions will not be forgotten, and South Dakota will forever be impacted by his legacy. Put simply, he was the greatest philanthropist
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PIERRE, South Dakota, July 18 -- Gov. Larry Rhoden, R-South Dakota, issued the following news release:
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Gov. Rhoden Mourns Loss of Denny Sanford
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PIERRE, S.D. - Today, Governor Larry Rhoden mourned the loss of businessman and philanthropist T. Denny Sanford.
"It is with great sadness that Sandy and I mourn the loss of T. Denny - a man who has so generously and intentionally invested in the great state of South Dakota," said Governor Larry Rhoden. "His contributions will not be forgotten, and South Dakota will forever be impacted by his legacy. Put simply, he was the greatest philanthropistin South Dakota history."
Sanford gave billions to charitable causes in South Dakota, including:
* Sanford Health, with donations exceeding $1 billion that transformed healthcare delivery throughout the state;
* Sanford Underground Laboratory in Lead, a major state asset in science and education that would not have been possible without Sanford's support;
* The Build Dakota Scholarships and the Premier/Freedom Scholarship, two significant scholarship programs that have transformed the lives of thousands of young people;
* Sioux Falls Development Corporation, which will make possible the relocation of Smithfield and the redevelopment of the former site; and
* Children's Home Society of South Dakota, to which Sanford is the largest donor.
"Denny Sanford was a significant donor to practically every charitable campaign in Sioux Falls, and many others throughout the state," said Lt. Governor Tony Venhuizen. "Beyond his high-profile gifts, Denny was a key reason that Sioux Falls has such a strong culture of philanthropy, and many important community improvements benefited from his support."
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Original text here: https://news.sd.gov/news?id=news_kb_article_view&sys_id=04fd4b1747ce0310da219464336d439b
Oklahoman Elected National SkillsUSA College/Postsecondary President
STILLWATER, Oklahoma, July 18 -- The Oklahoma Department of Career and Technology Education issued the following news release:
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Oklahoman elected national SkillsUSA college/postsecondary president
An Oklahoman will lead the National SkillsUSA college/postsecondary division this year.
Rachel Worthen, Autry Technology Center, has been named the SkillsUSA national college/postsecondary president.
Worthen, who completed the welding program at Autry Tech and graduated from Chisholm High School in Enid in May, said she sees national office as a "platform for hope."
"I truly believe life is
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STILLWATER, Oklahoma, July 18 -- The Oklahoma Department of Career and Technology Education issued the following news release:
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Oklahoman elected national SkillsUSA college/postsecondary president
An Oklahoman will lead the National SkillsUSA college/postsecondary division this year.
Rachel Worthen, Autry Technology Center, has been named the SkillsUSA national college/postsecondary president.
Worthen, who completed the welding program at Autry Tech and graduated from Chisholm High School in Enid in May, said she sees national office as a "platform for hope."
"I truly believe life isbuilt on hope," she said. "If we stop hoping for a better tomorrow, we stop believing that change is possible. SkillsUSA gave me that hope, and because someone believed in me, I have the opportunity to believe in someone else."
She was first inspired to run for national office at her first National Leadership and Skills Conference when she was 16, she said. The desire was confirmed during the 2025 Northwest District Leadership Conference, when she stepped in to help prepare leadership contestants.
Two of the contestants were women who were also studying welding, Worthen said. She spent time practicing speeches, preparing official dress and helping them find the confidence to go on stage.
"Watching them campaign reminded me so much of myself. They did not need someone extraordinary standing in front of them. They just needed someone who believed in them," Worthen said; that's when she told her adviser, Cheryl Cooksey, that she wanted to run for national office.
Worthen was elected as a national officer at the SkillsUSA National Leadership and Skills Conference in Atlanta, Georgia in June, but her path to national office began in Oklahoma. The process began with screening and online training and then a national officer candidate election at the Oklahoma SkillsUSA Leadership and Skills Conference, said Renee Reed, Oklahoma CareerTech trade and industrial education program administrator.
After the national conference, the elected students go to a national officer training retreat where they go through a series of interviews and interact with the team. The officers are chosen for specific roles after that, said Lauren Holmes, Oklahoma SkillsUSA state adviser.
Worthen has been in SkillsUSA only two years, but has already served as a chapter officer and briefly as a state officer before being elected to national office. She finished in the top 10 in the national prepared speech contest and also competed on a welding fabrication team.
Some of her favorite memories, she said, were working under a welding hood next to her best friends and learning that leadership is as important in the shop as it is on the stage.
"Rachel is definitely a leader and an exceptional public speaker and represents Oklahoma well," Holmes said.
Hope has been a part of Worthen's SkillsUSA experience since the beginning.
"I joined SkillsUSA because I was looking for hope," she said. "Growing up, I often felt like I did not quite fit anywhere. I was unsure of who I was, what I wanted to do or where I belonged. SkillsUSA became the first place where I realized that being different was not something to overcome. It was something to embrace. It gave me a place where my passion for leadership, public speaking, manufacturing and serving others could all exist together."
That desire for a place to fit in is also what drew Worthen to welding at Autry Tech. When she toured the tech center in eighth grade, she said, the sparks, heat and creativity in the welding shop fascinated her, and she kept finding reasons to sneak back in. Although she was afraid she would not be good enough, she added, the welding shop felt like home.
Now a high school graduate, Worthen plans to return to Autry Tech to study CNC machining to become what she calls "a more complete manufacturing professional."
"Understanding both welding and machining will help me become a stronger engineer by giving me a broader understanding of how products are designed, manufactured and brought to life. I know skilled professionals never stop learning," she said.
After completing the CNC machining program, she plans to pursue a degree in welding engineering at LeTourneau University in Longview, Texas.
She will take the things she's learned and the things she loves about SkillsUSA with her throughout her education and career.
"Whether I am designing blueprints, leading manufacturing teams, advocating for career and technical education or simply encouraging another young woman to believe she belongs in the skilled trades, I know my future will always involve serving others through manufacturing," she said. "Wherever my career leads, I know I will love every minute of it."
SkillsUSA, one of seven co-curricular CareerTech student organizations, is affiliated with trade and industrial education. The other six CTSOs are Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (family and consumer sciences education), FFA (agricultural education), DECA (marketing education), HOSA (health careers education), Business Professionals of America (business and information technology education) and Technology Student Association (science, technology, engineering and mathematics).
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Oklahoma CareerTech: Oklahoma's Workforce Leader
The Oklahoma Department of Career and Technology Education provides leadership and resources and assures standards of excellence for a comprehensive statewide system of career and technology education. The system offers programs and services in 29 technology center districts operating on 63 campuses, 394 PK-12 school districts, 20 skills centers campuses that include three juvenile facilities and 49 adult education and family literacy providers.
The agency is governed by the State Board of Career and Technology Education and works closely with the State Department of Education and the State Regents for Higher Education to provide a seamless educational system for all Oklahomans.
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Original text here: https://oklahoma.gov/careertech/media-center/press-releases/2026/oklahoman-elected-national-skillsusa-college-postsecondary-presi.html
Neb. Economic Development Dept. Invites Applications Through the Community Development Assistance Act
LINCOLN, Nebraska, July 18 -- The Nebraska Department of Economic Development issued the following news:
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DED Invites Applications through the Community Development Assistance Act
The Nebraska Department of Economic Development (DED) is now accepting applications for the Community Development Assistance Act (CDAA) opportunity.
The CDAA enables DED to distribute a 40% state tax credit to individuals and business firms that make eligible contributions to certified projects or programs.
Any county, city, village, or non-profit Community Betterment Organization that provides community assistance
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LINCOLN, Nebraska, July 18 -- The Nebraska Department of Economic Development issued the following news:
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DED Invites Applications through the Community Development Assistance Act
The Nebraska Department of Economic Development (DED) is now accepting applications for the Community Development Assistance Act (CDAA) opportunity.
The CDAA enables DED to distribute a 40% state tax credit to individuals and business firms that make eligible contributions to certified projects or programs.
Any county, city, village, or non-profit Community Betterment Organization that provides community assistanceor community services in a community development area may apply for CDAA project or program certification through DED. Upon approval of the application, the organization can notify donors to the certified project or program that they are eligible for tax credits.
DED will not authorize more than $50,000 of tax credits for any single project or program during any single fiscal year. Once an applicant enters into agreement with DED, a 12-month period begins during which donations to the certified project or program may be eligible for tax credits. Subject to legislative changes, DED can allocate a total of $350,000 in state tax credits each fiscal year.
Applications should be submitted electronically through DED's grant management system (EUNA Grants). The application link, program requirements, and more can be found at opportunity.nebraska.gov/programs/community/cdaa.
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Original text here: https://opportunity.nebraska.gov/ded-invites-applications-through-the-community-development-assistance-act/
Miss. Education Dept.: Education Enhancement Fund Transactions Valuing More Than $760,000 Made So Far Following Launch of Digital Platform
JACKSON, Mississippi, July 18 -- The Mississippi Department of Education issued the following news release:
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Education Enhancement Fund transactions valuing more than $760,000 made so far following launch of digital platform
The Mississippi Department of Education (MDE) is announcing that at least 4,309 Education Enhancement Fund (EEF) transactions, with a total value of $760,445 have occurred since July 15 in the new digital wallet platform - ClassWallet.
"Having the new digital platform has allowed teachers to have much earlier access to EEF funds than in previous years," said Dr. Lance
... Show Full Article
JACKSON, Mississippi, July 18 -- The Mississippi Department of Education issued the following news release:
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Education Enhancement Fund transactions valuing more than $760,000 made so far following launch of digital platform
The Mississippi Department of Education (MDE) is announcing that at least 4,309 Education Enhancement Fund (EEF) transactions, with a total value of $760,445 have occurred since July 15 in the new digital wallet platform - ClassWallet.
"Having the new digital platform has allowed teachers to have much earlier access to EEF funds than in previous years," said Dr. LanceEvans, state superintendent of education. "The MDE acknowledges concerns voiced by some Mississippi business owners and educators regarding the implementation of the new program. We are committed to addressing and resolving all issues. Our goal is to ensure teachers can access the resources they need for classroom instruction."
On July 13, MDE announced that EEF funds would be released to districts on July 15 for teachers to purchase instructional supplies for their classes. For the first time, EEF funds are being provided to teachers through the ClassWallet digital wallet platform.
Top spending categories are classroom supplies, instruction equipment, and technology.
A number of Mississippi vendors are currently available to teachers through the EFF program. MDE is in the process of adding more state vendors. The MDE will update the 2026-2027 MDE Approved Vendors for Teacher Reimbursement list weekly.
Teachers or local vendors may request that a vendor be added to the ClassWallet or the reimbursement-only vendor list. Teachers can make requests through their EEF card administrator or business manager. Local vendors can send requests to MDETeacherSupplyFund@mdek12.org.
Each eligible teacher has been allocated $748 in EEF funds for the 2026-27 school year. Teachers may purchase instructional items using their EEF accounts at any point during the school year until April 30, 2027.
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Original text here: https://mdek12.org/communications/2026/07/17/education-enhancement-fund-transactions-valuing-more-than-760000-made-so-far-following-launch-of-digital-platform/
Governor Hochul Updates New Yorkers on Weekend Air Quality and Severe Weather Impacting State
ALBANY, New York, July 18 -- Gov. Kathy Hochul, D-New York, issued the following news release:
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Governor Hochul Updates New Yorkers on Weekend Air Quality and Severe Weather Impacting State
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Governor Kathy Hochul today updated New Yorkers on the latest air quality conditions and the State's monitoring of severe weather. Damaging storms are tracking across the state, impacting areas of the Southern Tier before moving into the Hudson Valley through the evening. These storms have potential to bring strong winds and hail and rainfall rates of one to two inches an hour. Isolated tornadoes
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ALBANY, New York, July 18 -- Gov. Kathy Hochul, D-New York, issued the following news release:
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Governor Hochul Updates New Yorkers on Weekend Air Quality and Severe Weather Impacting State
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Governor Kathy Hochul today updated New Yorkers on the latest air quality conditions and the State's monitoring of severe weather. Damaging storms are tracking across the state, impacting areas of the Southern Tier before moving into the Hudson Valley through the evening. These storms have potential to bring strong winds and hail and rainfall rates of one to two inches an hour. Isolated tornadoesare possible.
The Governor highlighted that while air quality conditions are expected to ease tomorrow for much of the state, some areas, mainly the Western New York and Central New York regions, will likely experience unhealthy air quality caused by smoke from Canadian and Minnesota wildfires and high temperatures.
Governor Hochul continues to urge all New Yorkers, particularly sensitive groups, to take precautions to protect their health and to monitor local air quality conditions where they live using trusted sources, including AirNow.gov.
"We continue to monitor the impacts of wildfire smoke and severe weather on communities across New York State," Governor Hochul said. "Lingering effects of smoke from wildfires in Canada and Minnesota may still impact portions of the State on Sunday. I encourage New Yorkers to stay informed by checking trusted sources for air quality and weather forecasts, and check in with friends and family members who might need help this weekend."
The New York State Departments of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and Health (DOH) issued an Air Quality Health Advisory for particulate matter for tomorrow, July 19, for the Central New York and Western New York regions, where air quality is forecast to reach 'Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups.' Smoke causing temporary spikes of unhealthy air may affect other regions, including New York City and Long Island, as the plume moves across the state. DEC and DOH will be closely monitoring conditions to make any necessary changes to advisories.
At the Governor's direction, the New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services (DHSES) made over 100,000 high-quality N95-style masks available to all counties to address air quality impacts. DHSES has received requests from Orleans, Oswego, Otsego, Schoharie and Warren Counties and provided an additional 70,000 masks to the New York City area for local distribution, and to the National Guard, Office of Emergency Management (OEM) staff and the Port Authority for distribution at regional transportation hubs across the five boroughs. More than 56,000 masks have been handed out as part of this state-led distribution. Masks have also been made available at Thruway Rest Stops -Angola, Clifton Springs, New Baltimore and Ramapo. The Office of Emergency Management remains in contact with their local counterparts and is prepared to facilitate requests for assistance.
Severe Thunderstorm Watches and Warnings are in effect statewide. Residents are encouraged to monitor their local forecasts, weather watches and warnings. For a complete listing of weather alerts, visit the National Weather Service website.
New Yorkers should ensure that government emergency alerts are enabled on their mobile phones. They should also sign up for real-time weather and emergency alerts that will be texted to their phones by texting their county or borough name to 333111.
How to Stay Prepared
* Closely monitor your local forecasts and look for updates issued by the National Weather Service. For a complete listing of weather alerts, New Yorkers can visit the National Weather Service website.
* New Yorkers should ensure that government emergency alerts are enabled on their mobile phones and sign up for real-time weather and emergency alerts by texting their county or borough name to 333111.
* To stay up-to-date with announcements from DEC, New Yorkers can sign up to receive Air Quality Alerts.
* A toll-free Air Quality Hotline (1-800-535-1345) was also established by DEC to keep New Yorkers informed of the latest air quality situation.
* New Yorkers should also continue to monitor the Air Quality Index (AQI) at www.AirNow.gov, New York State's trusted source for air quality monitoring data, and take action when levels exceed safe thresholds.
Recommendations for New Yorkers in Areas of Poor Air Quality
* Sensitive groups should take particular caution.
* Where the air is considered unhealthy for sensitive groups, New Yorkers with underlying health conditions should make outdoor activities shorter and less intense, and take breaks to reduce the risk of health symptoms.
* In areas where the air is considered unhealthy, people who are especially sensitive to the effects of elevated levels of pollutants should make outdoor activities shorter and less intense, and take breaks to reduce the risk of health symptoms. Avoid spending time outdoors, if possible. People more sensitive to smoke-related pollution include those with heart or breathing problems, older adults, children and teens, pregnant people and those who exercise or work outdoors.
* If you must go outside when air quality levels are considered unhealthy, do not overexert yourself and find a well-fitting mask to wear.
* Remember to take steps to cool off in air conditioning for at least a few hours because it's also hot outside and indoor and outdoor temperatures can climb quickly.
* Staying indoors in a smoke-free environment can lower your exposure.
* Those who experience symptoms or have symptoms that worsen should consider consulting their medical provider.
* View additional tips available here.
Exposure to unhealthy air quality conditions can pose negative health impacts, including irritation to eyes, nose or throat, coughing, sneezing, runny nose and shortness of breath. These conditions are especially dangerous for vulnerable New Yorkers with medical conditions such as asthma and/or heart disease. New Yorkers should also be sure to protect their pets, limiting outdoor exposure when air quality hits unhealthy levels.
Thunderstorm Safety Tips
Thunderstorms are dangerous storms that can produce winds over 50 miles per hour, lightning, hail and cause flash flooding and tornadoes.
* If you can hear thunder, you are close enough to the storm to be struck by lightning. Go to a safe shelter immediately.
* Move to a sturdy building. Do not take shelter in small sheds, under isolated trees, or in convertible automobiles.
* If lightning occurs and sturdy shelter is not available, get inside a hard top automobile and keep windows up.
* Get out of boats and away from water.
* Telephone lines and metal pipes can conduct electricity. Unplug appliances not necessary for obtaining weather information. Avoid using the telephone or any electrical appliances.
* Do not take a bath or shower.
* Turn off air conditioners -power surges from lightning can overload compressors.
* Get to higher ground if flash flooding or flooding is possible.
* Do not attempt to drive to safety -most flash flooding deaths occur in automobiles.
* If outdoors, find a low spot away from trees, fences, and poles.
* If you are in the woods, take shelter under short trees.
* If you feel your skin tingle or your hair stands on end, squat low to the ground on the balls of your feet; place your hands on your knees with your head between them; make yourself the smallest target possible; and minimize your contact with the ground.
Tornado Safety Tips
* If outdoors: Seek shelter in a substantial building immediately. If there is no shelter nearby, lie flat in a ditch or low spot with your hands shielding your head.
* Do not try to outrun a tornado in your car; instead, leave it immediately.
* If at home or in a small building: Go to the basement or an interior room on the lowest floor of the building. Stay away from windows. Closets, bathrooms, and other interior rooms offer the best protection. Get under something sturdy or cover yourself with a mattress.
* If in a school, hospital, or shopping center: Go to a pre-designated shelter area. Stay away from large open areas and windows. Do not go outside to your car.
* If in a high-rise building: Go to an interior small room or hallway on the lowest floor possible. Do not use the elevators. Use the stairs.
* If in a mobile home or vehicle: Get out of mobile homes or vehicles -they are easily tossed about by strong winds in the tornado.
* Take shelter in a substantial structure: If there is no shelter near-by, lie flat in a ditch or low spot with your hands shielding your head.
Flood Safety
* During flash flooding, never attempt to drive on a flooded road. Turn around and go another way. If water begins to rise rapidly around you in your car, abandon the vehicle immediately.
* Do not underestimate the power of fast-moving water. Two feet of fast-moving flood water will float your car, and water moving at two miles per hour can sweep cars off a road or bridge.
To Report an Electric Outage, Call:
* Central Hudson: Electric: 800-527-2714 or Gas: 800-942-8274
* Con Ed: Electric: 800-752-6633 or Gas: 800-752-6633
* Corning Gas: 800-834-2134
* Liberty Utilities (St. Lawrence Gas) Corp.: 800-673-3301
* National Fuel Gas: 1-800-444-3130
* National Grid:
* Electric: 800-867-5222
* Long Island (gas): 1-800-490-0045
* Metro NYC (gas): 1-718-643-4050
* Upstate (gas): 1-800-892-2345
* NYSEG: Electric: 800-572-1131 or Gas: 800-572-1121
* O&R: Electric: 877-434-4100 or Gas: 800-533-5325
* PSEG-LI: 800-490-0075
* RG&E: Electric: 800-743-1701 or Gas: 800-743-1702
Contact the Governor's Press Office
Contact us by phone:
Albany: (518) 474-8418
New York City: (212) 681-4640
Contact us by email:
Press.Office@exec.ny.gov
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Original text here: https://www.governor.ny.gov/news/governor-hochul-updates-new-yorkers-weekend-air-quality-and-severe-weather-impacting-state
Ala. Commerce Dept.: Tuscaloosa County Lands $2.3 Million SEEDS Grant to Ready Airport Industrial Park Site for New Investment
MONTGOMERY, Alabama, July 18 -- The Alabama Department of Commerce issued the following news:
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Tuscaloosa County lands $2.3 million SEEDS grant to ready Airport Industrial Park site for new investment
TUSCALOOSA, Alabama -- A 230-acre property that has sat underused for years inside the Tuscaloosa County Airport Industrial Park is about to become one of the region's most competitive sites for advanced manufacturing, aerospace and other high-wage industry -- thanks to a $2.3 million grant.
The Tuscaloosa County Economic Development Authority received the Site Evaluation and Economic Development
... Show Full Article
MONTGOMERY, Alabama, July 18 -- The Alabama Department of Commerce issued the following news:
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Tuscaloosa County lands $2.3 million SEEDS grant to ready Airport Industrial Park site for new investment
TUSCALOOSA, Alabama -- A 230-acre property that has sat underused for years inside the Tuscaloosa County Airport Industrial Park is about to become one of the region's most competitive sites for advanced manufacturing, aerospace and other high-wage industry -- thanks to a $2.3 million grant.
The Tuscaloosa County Economic Development Authority received the Site Evaluation and Economic DevelopmentStrategy (SEEDS) award from the Alabama Department of Commerce, which administers the program in partnership with the Economic Development Partnership of Alabama.
Combined with local matching funds, the total investment in the site will exceed $4.6 million, transforming the long-limited property into a shovel-ready asset ready to compete for major projects.
"Alabama continues to lead because we invest in the fundamentals that make growth possible, including ready sites, skilled people and the infrastructure to support serious industry," said Governor Kay Ivey. "This SEEDS grant will turn a long-underused property into a shovel-ready asset that positions Tuscaloosa County to compete for the advanced manufacturing and aerospace projects of tomorrow."
The S.D. Allen site has long been considered one of the Airport Industrial Park's most promising properties, offering substantial acreage, a strong location and access to existing infrastructure. But persistent site deficiencies had kept it from reaching its full potential. Once complete, the SEEDS-funded work will consolidate the property into a contiguous, shovel-ready site.
"The SEEDS program exists to help communities like Tuscaloosa County turn potential into performance," stated Ellen McNair, Secretary of the Alabama Department of Commerce. "This funding addresses the site-readiness challenges that have held back one of the county's best industrial properties, and it reflects what we hear from companies looking to locate in Alabama: they need sites that are truly ready to build on, and a workforce with the skill and work ethic to back it up. Tuscaloosa County has both, and this investment will help them compete at the highest level."
Tim Parker, TCEDA chairman, said the funding reflects a broader partnership between state and local government aimed at strengthening the region's competitive position.
"Preparing for tomorrow's opportunities requires investing today," Parker said. "This grant, combined with the commitment of our local governments, will transform an underutilized property into one of Tuscaloosa County's most competitive industrial sites. We are thankful to Governor Ivey, Secretary McNair, and the Alabama Department of Commerce for recognizing the importance of this project, and to the Tuscaloosa County Commission and our municipal partners for their continued commitment to building a stronger economic future for our community."
Site work is expected to be complete by the end of 2027, positioning the property to enter the market right as manufacturers across multiple sectors continue to look South for shovel-ready locations backed by a proven workforce. For Tuscaloosa County, the investment is less about catching up than it is about closing the gap between a site's potential and its readiness -- and doing it with the kind of state-local partnership that has become a hallmark of Alabama's economic development strategy.
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Original text here: https://www.madeinalabama.com/2026/07/tuscaloosa-county-lands-2-3-million-seeds-grant-to-ready-airport-industrial-park-site-for-new-investment/
