Sewell announces funding for Black Belt infrastructure, workforce investments

Alabama’s Black Belt region is set to receive $1.6 million in funding from the Delta Regional Authority, Rep. Terri Sewell announced Tuesday.

The new funding will go toward six projects to strengthen basic public infrastructure, transportation infrastructure, and also support business development and job training in the area.

The State’s Economic Development Assistance Program awarded the money.

“As a proud daughter of the Black Belt, I have made it a top priority to ensure that those living and working in the region get their fair share of federal resources and funding,” said Sewell (D-Birmingham). “These awards from the Delta Regional Authority will continue to reverse decades of disinvestment by bringing jobs and infrastructure upgrades directly to communities that need them most.

“As the only member of Congress from Alabama to vote for President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, I’m very excited to see this funding coming to our communities and I applaud the Biden-Harris Administration for their continued focus on equity.”

DRA Federal Co-Chairman Dr. Corey Wiggins discussed the importance of SEDAP.

“The States’ Economic Development Assistance Program is one of DRA’s most diverse tools that allows us to expand and invest in the resiliency of the region’s public infrastructure and workforce,” Wiggins said.

“As a result of this investment, nearly 6,000 families will have improved access to infrastructure, helping to improve their quality of life and increase economic opportunities in their communities.”

The following projects in Alabama’s Black Belt received SEDAP funding:

• The Cultural and Communal Living Cynosure project (Selma) awarded $200,000 to increase the success and well-being of residents in distressed communities.
• The Jackson Pellets Industrial Access Road project (Jackson) awarded more than $357,000 to construct a 3,100-foot industrial access road to the Jackson Pellets facility.
• The Selma Tourism Incubator project awarded $509,000 to develop an Innovative Tourism Hub in Selma’s historic downtown.
• The Town of Hurtsboro Storm Water Collection System Improvement project awarded more than $387,000 to repair a storm water collection system to reduce localized flooding.
• The Town of Butler Highway 17 South project  awarded more than $189,000 to correct water main issues and install a fire hydrant on Alabama Highway 17 South.
• The Eufaula-Bluff City Water and Sewer project (Eufaula) awarded more than $43,000 for sewer, water, and stormwater improvements.

Austen Shipley is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News.