Economic Development Grants

Economic Development Grants is sponsored by Southeast Alabama Regional Planning and Development Commission (SEARP&DC). These grants support facilities and infrastructure projects such as water and sewer lines, rail spurs, and access roads, helping to attract new or expanding businesses with a goal of job creation, particularly for unemployed or underemployed individuals.

* 462 N. Oates St – 4th Floor. DOTHAN, AL.

36302 * Departments Close Departments Open Departments ##### Community and Economic Development ##### Head Start ##### Wiregrass Transit ##### Career Opportunities ##### Southeast Alabama Rural Planning Organization (RPO) ##### Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP) # Building Stronger Communities in Southeast Alabama ### Your Regional Partner in Development, Planning, and Community Growth At the Southeast Alabama Regional Planning and Development Commission (SEARP&DC), our mission is to enhance the quality of life for the citizens of Barbour, Coffee, Covington, Dale, Geneva, Henry, and Houston counties.

Established in 1969, SEARP&DC serves as a vital bridge between community needs and effective solutions. Governed by a dedicated team of representatives from our seven member counties, we work collaboratively to identify goals, develop strategies, and deliver programs that make Southeast Alabama a better place to live.

From fostering economic growth and community development to providing essential services like Head Start, Senior Employment, and Wiregrass Transit, SEARP&DC is committed to empowering our communities and driving regional progress. Head Start provides essential early childhood education, health, nutrition, and family support services to low-income families.

This federally funded program helps young children build a strong foundation for academic and social success by fostering cognitive development, emotional well-being, and school readiness. Looking for safe, affordable, and reliable public transportation in Dothan and Southeast Alabama? The Wiregrass Transit Authority (WTA) provides ADA-accessible transit for residents of Dothan, Houston County, Dale County, and Enterprise.

Whether it’s a ride to work, a doctor’s appointment, or errands, WTA offers door-to-door transportation and non-emergency medical services to support your needs. The Community & Economic Development Department at SEARP&DC supports growth across Southeast Alabama through expert planning, grant services, and business financing programs.

From microloans to infrastructure grants, SEARP&DC helps create jobs and expand industry—serving as a trusted partner in building stronger communities and local economies. The Southeast Alabama Rural Planning Organization is a joint project between the Southeast Alabama Regional Planning and Development Commission and the Alabama Department of Transportation. Presently, the RPO process is advisory in nature.

The RPO serves as the formal link between ALDOT and rural local governments. This link allows more opportunity for rural communities to communicate with ALDOT The Southeast Alabama Regional Planning and Development Commission (SEARP&DC) receives federal funding from the U.S. Department of Labor through cooperative agreements with CWI Works and the Alabama Department of Senior Services.

This funding provides 90% of the support for SCSEP with SEARP&DC and participating local governments providing the nonfederal match. The SCSEP Program is an equal opportunity program. Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities.

### Shaping the Future of Southeast Alabama Dive into the inspiring stories and heartfelt testimonials of community leaders, residents, and individuals who are driving meaningful change in Southeast Alabama. Through their dedication and passion, they embody SEARP&DC’s mission to create stronger communities and improve lives across Barbour, Coffee, Covington, Dale, Geneva, Henry, and Houston counties.

Their achievements highlight the impact of collaboration in shaping a brighter future. * 462 N. Oates St 4th Floor DOTHAN, AL.

36302 Deputy Director / CED Director * dcrittenden@searpdc. org Head Start and Early Head Start Dir.

##### Non-Discrimination Statement In accordance with Federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its Agencies, offices, and employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity (including gender expression), sexual orientation, disability, age, marital status, family/parental status, income derived from a public assistance program, political beliefs, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity, in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA (not all bases apply to all programs).

Remedies and complaint filing deadlines vary by program or incident. Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.) should contact the responsible Agency or USDA’s TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TTY) or contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339.

Additionally, program information may be made available in languages other than English. To file a program discrimination complaint, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, AD-3027, found online at How to File a Program Discrimination Complaint and at any USDA office or write a letter addressed to USDA and provide in the letter all of the information requested in the form.

To request a copy of the complaint form, call (866) 632-9992. Submit your completed form or letter to USDA by: (1) mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights 1400 Independence Avenue SW Washington, D. C.

20250-9410; (2) fax: (202) 690-7442; or (3) email: program. intake@usda. gov. USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender ##### TITLE VI NOTICE OF PROTECTION AGAINST DISCRIMINATION Wiregrass Transit Authority operates its programs without regard to race, color, and national origin in accordance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act.

Any person who believes she or he has been aggrieved by any unlawful discriminatory practice under Title VI may file a complaint with the Wiregrass Transit Authority.

For more information on the civil rights program and the procedures to file a complaint, contact: Wiregrass Transit Authority 462 North Oates Street, 4th Floor A complaint may be filed directly with the Federal Transit Administration by contacting: Office of Civil Rights Attention: Complaint Team East Building, 5th Floor – TCR 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE Washington, DC 20590 * FTACivilRightsCommunications@dot.

gov * Community and Economic Development * Rural Planning Organization 462 N Oates St 4th floor, Dothan, AL 36303, United States ###### Designed By Pathfinder Digital Marketing.