Strong Secures Funding for North Alabama Water Projects
House panel advances funding for wastewater and drinking water upgrades in New Hope, Section, and Dutton
Two North Alabama water infrastructure projects moved a step closer to receiving federal funding this week after the U.S. House Appropriations Committee approved the Fiscal Year 2027 Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act.
The measure, advanced during a committee markup on Wednesday, includes community project funding requests submitted by U.S. Representative Dale Strong (R-AL-05), who serves on the House Appropriations Committee. The funding would support wastewater improvements in New Hope and upgrades to the water treatment system serving Section and Dutton.
According to Strong's office, the projects are intended to address aging infrastructure, improve system reliability, and help meet future growth demands in rural communities across Alabama's Fifth Congressional District.
“Reliable water infrastructure is essential to protecting public health, supporting economic development, and improving quality of life in our rural communities,” said Rep. Strong. “I’m proud to advocate for these projects that will help ensure that families and businesses in these communities have access to modern, dependable water infrastructure systems.”
The legislation includes $1.15 million for the City of New Hope to make critical improvements to its wastewater system. Local officials say the project will help restore structural integrity to the system, protect public health, and ensure dependable wastewater service for residents and businesses.
An additional $1 million is designated for the Waterworks Board of Section and Dutton to modernize its water treatment plant. The improvements are expected to enhance drinking water quality, increase operational capacity, and support long-term service reliability for customers in both communities.
If ultimately approved by Congress and signed into law, the projects would provide targeted investments in infrastructure that local leaders have identified as priorities for public health and economic development.
Beyond the North Alabama projects, the Fiscal Year 2027 Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act contains several broader policy provisions. Committee Republicans said the bill seeks to expand domestic access to critical minerals, promote domestic energy production, support federal wildfire response efforts, and maintain public access to hunting, fishing, and recreational shooting on federal lands. The legislation also includes a reduction in funding for the Environmental Protection Agency compared to prior funding levels.
The appropriations measure now advances to the full U.S. House of Representatives for consideration.
