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What is the Alabama AdvantageSite program?

    Simply stated, the AdvantageSite program confirms that documentation critical to the site selection process is ready for prospective industry.

    It is a voluntary program that allows communities to demonstrate that due diligence has been done on the designated site. However, this does not imply that other properties in the state do not meet the same criteria – designated sites have simply undergone a vetting process to show that important information is readily available.

    Alabama recognizes that site location decisions require detailed information and shorter deadlines. Our economic development team knows that companies seeking to locate a new facility are allowing less time for site selection, site development and project construction. To meet the needs of industry, Alabama’s economic development community is working to designate an inventory of industrial sites with sufficient site documentation for accurate, timely project evaluation.

What are the general requirements for a site to receive the AdvantageSite designation?

Eligible Applicants

Recognized local economic development entity

Property Ownership/Control

Applicant or other recognized economic development entity must document ownership/control of the site
Site must be marketable for a minimum of two years (the length of designation)

Site Characteristics

Minimum of 25 developable acres in a prepared industrial park or 50 developable acres not located in an industrial park
Accessible, at a minimum, by a two-lane, paved public roadway
Zoning for the site clearly permits industrial land uses or, where no zoning exists, an industrial use compatible with existing land uses in the vicinity
Local government must support industrial use of the property

Utility Status

Public water and wastewater: Documentation of status. (Where service is not at the site, preliminary plans, cost estimates, and timelines are required)
Electric power: Documentation of status
Natural gas: Where natural gas is available, documentation of status
Telecommunications: Documentation regarding the location, extent and quality of service

Environmental and Geotechnical Due Diligence

Phase I Environmental Site Assessment
Preliminary wetlands assessment
Preliminary geotechnical exploration
Information concerning rare or endangered species, archeological findings or sites with historical concerns

What is the process?

    Following a consultation meeting designed to help applicants determine whether or not a site can meet the minimum criteria, eligible applicants will submit a full, detailed questionnaire, which will be evaluated by a review team.

    Sites that meet all criteria will then receive a site visit from members of the team, who may then award the designation to sites that have passed both paper and visual inspections.

    Once a site has received AdvantageSite designation, the site will keep the designation for two years, provided that the site continues to meet the criteria and the applicant complies with the reporting requirements.

    Applicants can apply to renew sites at the close of the two-year period.

    Here are some helpful documents:

    Advantage Site Requirements
    Advantage Site - Getting Ready
    Advantage Site Process

    For further information on the application process, contact program administrator Tammy Radmard at tradmard@edpa.org or call (205) 943-4720.