North Birmingham Community Development Rehabilitation Project was awarded $3 million in federal funds, elected officials announced Friday.
The funding was secured by U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell (D-Birmingham) in the fiscal year 2022 government funding package.
The federal investment will help redevelop the former North Birmingham Elementary School, according to Sewell’s office.
In a statement, Sewell said the money would serve to address persisting “environmental concerns” related to the dilapidated school building.
“Today, government is working on behalf of the people of North Birmingham,” she said in a news release. “This community has suffered from environmental injustice for far too long, and the people of North Birmingham know just how critical it is that we invest in clean-up and revitalization. This $3 million in federal funding will make a big difference for this community by helping to redevelop the former North Birmingham Elementary School and address long-standing environmental concerns.”
“I fought hard to secure this critical federal assistance in this year’s government funding package, and I’m so excited to see it come to our community. I’ll continue working to make our communities cleaner, healthier, and more vibrant here in the 7th Congressional District.”
Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin thanked Sewell for ensuring the project received federal investment.
“This is a great day for the people of North Birmingham,” said Woodfin. “North Birmingham has suffered from environmental injustice for over a century. These resources will help in righting some of the wrongs from decades of neglect.
“As a child of North Birmingham, I am particularly grateful. I lived here, went to school here and know that justice is long overdue. Today says that we have not been forgotten. Thank you Congresswoman Terri Sewell for always supporting the people of Birmingham.”
The funding is part of the more than $8 million that Sewell secured for community projects across Alabama’s 7th Congressional District in the spending package.
Dylan Smith is the editor of Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @DylanSmithAL
Don’t miss out! Subscribe today to have Alabama’s leading headlines delivered to your inbox.