Funding for Alabama’s Community Projects Announced

Recent developments suggest that community projects spanning Rainesville to Lauderdale County, as well as Tuscaloosa and Guntersville, could soon progress, according to Representative Robert Aderholt.

Aderholt (R-Haleyville) announced that over $56 million in federal funding has been allocated for various community and transportation initiatives within Alabama’s Fourth Congressional District, part of the 2026 budget process.

While the House Budget Committee has approved the project, it’s crucial to note that it has yet to be enacted into law. The legislative process is still ongoing before final approvals are confirmed. “As the FY26 process moves forward, we are committed to these priorities,” he remarked.

“These projects focus on enhancing infrastructure, supporting rural areas, and investing in Alabama District 4’s future,” Aderholt emphasized. “From modernizing transportation and expanding healthcare access to improving workforce training and fostering economic development, these investments are set to benefit our local communities significantly.”

Overview of Community Project Funding Requests

• Expansion of Albertville Regional Airport – $5,000,000
  This will enable the airport to accommodate more corporate investment, boost tourism, and drive regional economic growth.
• Career and Technical Education Center Equipment (Walker Area Community Foundation, Jasper) – $1.1 million
  Funding will be used to acquire equipment for various technical training labs, aimed at preparing students for high-demand careers and strengthening the workforce.
• Hansville Affordable Housing (Wallace State Community College) – $2.54 million
  Construction of ten microhomes that include childcare centers and tornado shelters, aimed at providing affordable housing for underprivileged families.
• Fayette Health Clinic (Fayette Medical Center) – $5,551,812
  A new 22,219 square feet rural health clinic will offer comprehensive primary care, chronic care management, and mental health services to underserved populations.
• Feasibility Survey of I-22 Connectors (Winston and Franklin Counties) – $5 million
  Research aimed at establishing a north-south corridor that links Florence/Muscle Shoals to I-22, with potential safety and economic benefits.
• Lauderdale County Agriculture Center Authority – $1.5 million
  The funding will develop public facilities designed to enhance agricultural education, labor training, and economic development.
• UAB St. Vincent’s Blount Medical Equipment (Oneonta) – $1 million
  Funds will be allocated to procure new CT scanners, replacing outdated models to improve diagnosis quality.
• Medical Devices for Winfield Hospitals (Northwest Regional Health) – $1,147,500
  To replace aging MRI machines, enhancing diagnostic imaging capabilities for rural patients.
• Northeast Alabama Community College Nursing School Equipment – $273,188
  Funding will upgrade simulation labs, addressing the critical shortage of medical staff in the region.
• Implementing Sanitary Sewer Services in Guntersville – $2,174,898
  This project aims to eliminate septic tank failures near Lake Guntersville, enhancing environmental quality.
• Snead State Community College’s Workforce Advancement – $437,500
  Purchase of 3D printing equipment to prepare students for careers in various high-demand fields.
• Tuscaloosa National Airport Terminal Improvements – $8.5 million
  Funding is earmarked for the replacement of outdated terminals to meet modern operational needs.
• Replacement of US 278/Alabama Highway 69 St. Bernard Bridge (Calman) – $13,500,000
  This will involve replacing an 82-year-old bridge that has been designated “high priority” for safety and traffic flow improvements.
• Waterloo Bridge Replacement (Lauderdale County) – $7 million
  Replacing a series of bridges that currently have weight restrictions to improve commercial access.
• Resurfacing Winston County Roads 57 and 61 – $1,553,000
  This project aims to resurface key county roads for better access to Bankhead National Forest.

“I’ve always believed that we should ensure the people in the Fourth District see a significant return on the taxes they pay to Washington. These projects exemplify that commitment,” Aderholt stated.