The U.S. House of Representatives has approved over $12 million in funding aimed at enhancing public safety and infrastructure within northern Alabama. This announcement was made by U.S. Rep. Dale Strong, a Republican from Monrovia, who highlighted that these funds are part of H.R. 6938, the comprehensive legislative package known as the Commerce, Justice, Science; Energy and Water Development; and Interior and Environment Act for 2026.
The funding package, which passed the House this week, includes various allocations designed to support local law enforcement and infrastructure improvements across the region. Rep. Strong, who is a member of the Appropriations Committee and serves as vice chairman of the Commerce, Justice, and Science Subcommittee, expressed his pride in securing these funds. “These resources represent my commitment to strengthening public safety, supporting local law enforcement, and advancing innovation,” he stated in a recent release.
Among the key allocations are:
– $1.5 million for the Town of Rogersville, designated for constructing an elevated water storage tank to improve water service reliability for residents.
– $300,000 for the Hartselle Police Department, aimed at replacing outdated radio systems and modernizing equipment to enhance law enforcement capabilities.
– $4.135 million for the Auburn University Applied Research Institute in Huntsville, intended to acquire high-performance computing capabilities for critical national security and defense applications.
– $4.2 million for the University of Alabama in Huntsville’s AI Research Facility for Space and Defense, which will bolster U.S. innovation and support specialized workforce development in the defense sector.
– $199,762 for the Somerville Police Department to purchase new vehicles and implement technological upgrades, aiding local officers in community protection.
– $1.2 million for Lawrence County to modernize its radio system, thereby improving communications for first responders during public safety operations.
H.R. 6938 now awaits consideration in the U.S. Senate before being sent to the President for final approval. The funding is seen as a crucial step toward enhancing safety and innovation in north Alabama, with Rep. Strong emphasizing the importance of collaboration with state and local partners.
As communities across the region anticipate these improvements, the allocated funds will play a pivotal role in maintaining public safety and supporting local infrastructure development for the foreseeable future.
