U.S. Senator Katie Britt (R-Montgomery) secured $900,000 in federal funding to replace a collapsed drainage structure that has kept a Winston County road closed for more than four years.

The structure on County Road 54 at Quarter Creek north of Haleyville failed in 2022 when two 15-foot diameter pipes collapsed during flooding from excessive rainfall. The closure has forced a 10-mile detour that affects emergency response times, 29 local businesses, a manufacturer, and surrounding residents.

The funding comes through the Fiscal Year 2026 Homeland Security Appropriations Act. Britt chairs the Senate Subcommittee on Homeland Security Appropriations.

“Alabamians know strong infrastructure is the foundation for strong communities. That’s why I’m proud to have secured $900,000 in this appropriations bill for the Winston County Commission,” Britt said.

“This funding goes beyond just upgrading a critical drainage structure. It will help emergency services respond more rapidly when every second counts. I look forward to seeing how this commonsense investment results in a stronger and more resilient Winston County community.”

Winston County Commission Chairman David Cummings said the project would not have happened without Britt’s involvement.

“If Senator Britt had not gotten involved, this project would have never happened due to the County’s limited resources,” Cummings said. “Thanks again for your support and commitment to the citizens of Winston County.”

Britt secured more than $14.97 million total for Alabama in FY26 Homeland Security appropriations funding. She has made infrastructure investment a consistent priority on the Appropriations Committee since taking office.

Sawyer Knowles is a state and political reporter for Yellowhammer News. You may contact him at [email protected].