Ozark-Dale County Receives Growing Alabama Funds for Two Industrial Projects

Governor Kay Ivey recently allocated $25.9 million to support economic development projects in 15 communities as part of the Growing Alabama program. Ozark-Dale County will receive funding for two projects to create shovel-ready sites near the airport and in the Ozark Industrial Park.

“These investments are paving the way for high-quality jobs, business expansion, and long-term prosperity across every corner of our state,” says Gov. Ivey about the Growing Alabama funds.

More than 27% of Growing Alabama allocations were awarded to targeted rural communities to foster growth, including Ozark-Dale County. Learn more about the projects that will shape this region and foster business investment in the coming years. 

City of Ozark Receives $150,000 for the Airport Industrial Site

The first allocation is for the City of Ozark to improve an existing site near Ozark Airport - Blackwell Field. The $150,000 is partially matched by a city contribution of $38,925 in capital outlay funds. The money will be used for land clearing, excavation, and site paving. This will make the site viable for business development, attracting aviation companies that want a regional presence.

“Aviation is a large industry in Southeast Alabama, and we know we will attract more businesses if we have shovel-ready sites,” says Holle Smith, President of the Ozark-Dale Economic Development Corporation (EDC). “This is the first step to prepare for that.”

Several aviation and aerospace companies already operate out of Dale County. This development project is not only right next to the airport but also strategically located near Fort Rucker. When businesses choose Dale County, they can set up operations within 10 miles of the military base, which is a 20-minute drive away.   

The EDC Receives $24,856 for the Ozark Industrial Park

The second allocation from Growing Alabama is for the Ozark Industrial Park on a site owned by the Ozark-Dale EDC. The EDC contributed $5,000 to partially match the $24,856 issued by the state. The nine-acre parcel has potential for future use, but needs to be cleared and prepared to attract businesses.

“Having shovel-ready sites makes them more appealing to prospective companies by cutting costs and adding speed to market,” says Smith. “The airport parcel is important because it will attract aviation-related industries, while the EDC parcel can attract other business investment.”

The industrial park is right off U.S. Highway 231, which runs through Alabama. It starts in Panama City, Florida, on the Gulf of Mexico, and ends in St. John, Indiana, near Chicago and along the border of Lake Michigan. This route is invaluable for companies developing their supply chains.   

Growing Alabama is Funded Through Donations

The Growing Alabama fund is mutually beneficial for taxpayers who want to contribute to economic growth in the state. Qualifying taxpayers give funds to economic development organizations and then receive matching tax credits equal to the value of their contributions. This process allows tax dollars to go toward special projects instead of to a state fund. The two projects in Ozark-Dale County were funded by companies eager to see the region grow.

“We are grateful to the state of Alabama for allowing this program to provide funding for these projects,” says Smith. “We wouldn’t be able to complete them without the assistance.”

The City of Ozark and the EDC submitted project details to the state for approval. The organizations needed to make a case for why funding would be beneficial to economic development in the region. The Alabama Department of Commerce administers the Growing Alabama program and reviews all applications. 

See Your Future in Ozark-Dale County

The EDC will use the Growing Alabama funds to create shovel-ready sites in desirable areas of the county. Businesses can quickly establish their operations and take advantage of shipping corridors and proximity to nearby military bases.

Ozark-Dale County is an ideal place to bring your business, but it’s also a welcoming community for your family. Discover the countless business advantages of the region, but also explore life here. See yourself in Dale County, Alabama.