The Village Creek floodplain in Birmingham will receive more than $2.6 million in federal funding secured by U.S. Sen. Katie Britt to address decades of recurring flooding.
Britt (R-Montgomery), chair of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Homeland Security, secured $2.645 million for the City of Birmingham through the Fiscal Year 2026 Homeland Security Appropriations Act.
The funding will support ongoing efforts to restore the Village Creek floodplain, reduce stormwater flowing into the creek and limit flooding in nearby communities, particularly Ensley.
“For decades, the City of Birmingham has worked to restore the Village Creek floodplain and implement a long-term solution to flooding,” Britt said.
“The more than $2.6 million I secured in FY26 Homeland Appropriations funding will significantly advance these efforts, particularly by reducing flooding during major storm events in Ensley and ensure residents and their communities remain safe.”
Village Creek runs approximately 44 miles through Birmingham and Jefferson County as part of the Black Warrior River watershed.
Its floodplain accounts for 53% of Birmingham’s Special Flood Hazard Area, according to Britt’s office. Water levels along the creek can rise as quickly as three feet per hour during major storms.
Neighborhoods, businesses and public facilities along the corridor have experienced repeated flooding for more than 50 years. Since 1970, the area has been affected by more than 17 federally declared disasters, with more than 30,000 structures impacted.
Britt said the project will help protect residents while strengthening Birmingham’s infrastructure.
“This funding is a critical and commonsense investment in floodplain restoration to mitigate storm damage, strengthen local infrastructure resilience, and improve the quality of life for Alabamians in the floodplain area for generations to come,” she said.
The project is also expected to reduce flooding risks for motorists and improve access to businesses throughout the area.
Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin said the funding will support the city’s broader effort to improve neighborhood resilience.
“Every investment in flood mitigation is an investment in our neighborhoods, our families, and Birmingham’s future,” Woodfin said.
“This funding for the Village Creek Stormwater Park Floodplain Restoration project will help us build a more resilient city while creating environmental and recreational benefits for generations to come.”
Woodfin thanked Britt for helping secure the funding and said federal-local partnerships can produce meaningful results for Birmingham residents.
Britt secured more than $14.97 million for Alabama projects in the FY2026 Homeland Security appropriations legislation.
Sawyer Knowles is a state and political reporter for Yellowhammer News. You may contact him at [email protected].
