U.S. Senator Katie Britt (R-Montgomery) secured $4 million in road funding through the Fiscal Year 2026 Homeland Security Appropriations Act, directing federal dollars to the gateway connecting Interstate 65 to Maxwell-Gunter Air Force Base.
Britt, who chairs the Subcommittee on Homeland Security Appropriations, said the money will support the Maxwell Capital Gateway Project, the primary route serving thousands of military personnel, civilian employees, students, contractors, and visitors at the base.
The funding targets roadway and bridge improvements to Washington Ferry Road from US-31 to the rear access gate at Maxwell.
The work includes regrading existing ditches, shoulder clipping, and resurfacing the 22-foot roadway, along with modifications to the existing bridge to retrofit it with new concrete barrier rails.
“I’m proud to have directly secured $4 million in FY26 Homeland Security Appropriations funding,” Britt said. “This investment will not only improve Washington Ferry Road and access to Maxwell Air Force Base, but it will also enhance the safety, efficiency, and responsiveness of natural disaster operations. From supporting military readiness to enabling faster disaster response across the Southeast, I’m thrilled to see funding directed toward projects that will strengthen infrastructure and better protect the communities we serve.”
Montgomery Mayor Steven Reed credited Britt for the investment. “Public safety begins with a resilient foundation. This $4 million in federal funding allows us to address essential roadway and bridge improvements that ensure our first responders can move efficiently and our neighborhoods remain connected,” Reed said. “I want to thank Senator Britt for recognizing Montgomery’s infrastructure needs and helping us build a safer, more accessible city.”
Maxwell Air Force Base generates more than $2.6 billion in economic impact annually and supports over 15,000 direct and indirect jobs across the River Region. The base serves as the Air Force’s primary center for education, leadership development, and cyber operations.
The new corridor will also give FEMA a staging route to deploy resources during natural disasters across Alabama and the Southeast, improving response times for transporting goods, medical equipment, and military assistance to affected communities.
In total, Britt has secured more than $14.97 million for Alabama in FY26 Homeland Security appropriations funding.
Earlier this month, Britt announced a nearly $7 million federal grant for Port of Chickasaw rehabilitation.
Sawyer Knowles is a state and political reporter for Yellowhammer News. You may contact him at [email protected].
