By SPEAKIN’ OUT NEWS
U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell, D-Alabama, announced Friday that she has secured $9,571,000 in federal funding for 14 community-driven projects across Alabama’s 7th Congressional District. The funding was approved by Congress and signed into law as part of the Fiscal Year 2026 appropriations process.
Sewell said the investments reflect priorities consistently raised by residents, local leaders, and small businesses throughout the district.
“I’m so proud to have secured $9.5 million for 14 community-driven projects that will make our district safer, stronger, and more prosperous,” Sewell said. “These investments reflect the priorities I hear every day — safer streets, better infrastructure, and more opportunity.”
The funding will support a wide range of infrastructure, housing, public safety, health care, and community development initiatives across multiple counties and municipalities.
In Selma, projects include $250,000 for improvements at Craig Field Airport, enhancing runway safety systems and signage, and $1.656 million to revitalize Alabama Avenue, focusing on the renovation and reuse of 14 existing buildings. Selma will also benefit from $500,000 awarded to Auburn University to construct 10 prototype “resilient homes” designed to withstand extreme weather.
Several cities will receive funding for roads, sidewalks, and public spaces, including $700,000 for sidewalk expansion in Pleasant Grove, $850,000 for roadway and walkway improvements in Hueytown, and $250,000 to upgrade facilities at Red Mountain Park in Jefferson County. Homewood will receive $250,000 to expand culvert capacity near Edgewood Elementary School.
Public safety and community facilities are also a major focus. Projects include $750,000 to strengthen law enforcement resources in Brighton, $1 million for a new joint police and volunteer fire station in Aliceville, and $750,000 for a new community center in Sumter County. Additional funding supports community centers in Bessemer and Marion.
Health care investments include $1.015 million to renovate the Uniontown Health Center, improving equipment, technology, and patient access.
Sewell said she will continue working to ensure federal resources are directed toward projects that improve quality of life and long-term opportunity throughout the district.