Rep. Terri Sewell Secures $9.5 Million for Community Projects Across Alabama's 7th District

WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell (AL‑07) announced that she has secured $9,571,000 in direct federal funding for 14 community projects across Alabama's 7th Congressional District. The investments were included in the Fiscal Year 2026 appropriations package, which passed Congress and has now been signed into law.

The funding spans infrastructure, public safety, housing, community development, and health care - a broad slate of priorities that Sewell says reflects the needs she hears directly from families, 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 in a video message to constituents. "These investments reflect the priorities I hear from families, local leaders, and small businesses every day - safer streets, better infrastructure, and more opportunity. I will keep fighting to give back to our community and to ensure that every federal dollar works for the people I represent."

A Districtwide Investment Strategy

The projects funded through Sewell's efforts touch nearly every corner of the 7th District, from Birmingham to the Black Belt. They include airport improvements, sidewalk expansions, community centers, public safety upgrades, and major renovations to health‑care facilities.

Infrastructure and Transportation Improvements

Several projects focus on strengthening local infrastructure, improving mobility, and enhancing safety:

- Craig Field Airport, Selma - $250,000

Upgrades to the precision approach path indicator system, new taxiway and runway signage, and repairs to parking asphalt.

- City of Homewood - $250,000

Expansion of culvert capacity in neighborhoods surrounding Edgewood Elementary School to reduce flooding and improve safety.

- Jefferson County Greenway Commission - $250,000

Renovation and upgrades to the entrance and guest parking lot at Red Mountain Park.

- City of Pleasant Grove - $700,000

Installation of 2.57 miles of new sidewalks, pedestrian lighting, and repairs to 1.26 miles of deteriorated sidewalks.

- City of Hueytown - $850,000

Roadway resurfacing and new sidewalks to improve walkability and community connectivity.

- City of Tuscaloosa - $250,000

Infrastructure upgrades and renovations at the Tuscaloosa Public Library.

Community Development and Revitalization

Sewell secured major investments aimed at revitalizing neighborhoods, expanding community services, and strengthening local resilience:

- City of Selma - $1,656,000

Revitalization of Alabama Avenue, including assessment, renovation, and conversion of 14 existing buildings.

- Bessemer Housing Authority - $850,000

Construction of a new multi‑purpose community center.

- Marion National Guard Armory - $500,000

Transformation of the armory into a multi‑purpose community center offering workforce development training, emergency shelter space, and a hub for distributing essential supplies.

- Sumter County Commission - $750,000

Development of a new community center to support activities for residents of all ages.

Public Safety Enhancements

Communities across the district will see strengthened emergency response and crime‑prevention capabilities:

- City of Brighton - $750,000

Funding to equip local law enforcement with updated materials and tools, improve emergency response, and support crime‑prevention initiatives.

- City of Aliceville - $1,000,000

Construction of a new joint police and volunteer fire station to improve service delivery across Pickens County and West Alabama.

Health Care and Resilient Housing

Sewell also secured funding to expand access to health care and support innovative housing solutions:

- Rural Health Medical Program, Inc. (Uniontown) - $1,015,000

Renovation of the Uniontown Health Center, including upgraded clinical equipment, labs, X‑ray capabilities, IT systems, and improvements to surrounding roads and parking.

- Auburn University Resilient Homes Project, Selma - $500,000

Construction of ten prototype "resilient homes" built with high‑performance materials designed to withstand extreme weather - a model aimed at improving housing durability in vulnerable communities.

A Continued Push for Federal Investment in Alabama

Rep. Sewell has long emphasized the importance of bringing federal dollars back to Alabama's 7th District, one of the most underserved regions in the nation. The FY26 funding package marks another significant round of investments secured through the congresswoman's community‑driven appropriations process.

Each project was submitted by local governments or organizations and vetted for feasibility, community impact, and alignment with federal guidelines.

"These projects are about meeting people where they are and investing in the future of our communities," Sewell said. "Whether it's improving health care access in Uniontown, revitalizing downtown Selma, or strengthening public safety in Brighton and Aliceville, these dollars will make a real difference in the lives of the people I serve."

What Comes Next

With the funding now signed into law, local governments and organizations will begin the process of implementing their projects. Many will move into design and planning phases immediately, while others - particularly infrastructure and public safety projects - are expected to begin procurement and construction later this year.

For residents of Alabama's 7th District, the investments represent tangible progress in long‑standing efforts to improve quality of life, expand opportunity, and strengthen community resilience.