Connect with us

Hi, what are you looking for?

Opinion

Opinion | Investing in Alabama’s future with ARPA funds

Our state’s infrastructure, for broadband, water and sewer, is where we are looking to allocate the largest sum of ARPA Funds.

Senate President Pro Tempore Greg Reed, R-Jasper. (Governor's Office/Hal Yeager)

Over the last week, the Alabama Legislature has been deliberating the appropriation of the last $1 billion in federal COVID-19 relief from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). Our priorities are investing in sewer and water infrastructure, broadband internet expansion, and supporting hospitals, nursing homes, and other health care providers across the state.

Our state’s infrastructure, for broadband, water and sewer, is where we are looking to allocate the largest sum of ARPA Funds — $660 million. This specific focus on critical infrastructure improvements will impact the livelihood of Alabamians in rural and metropolitan areas alike for decades to come. Our goal is to use these one-time funds as an investment for the people of Alabama by supporting areas that will see a tangible difference in the future. 

Improving Alabamians’ access to clean water and sewer systems is a huge focus for legislators. Through grants and other programs, high-need projects will be identified by the Department of Environmental Management with priority given to counties that did not have funding approved in 2022. 

In our 21st century world, it is also essential that we provide our citizens with expanded broadband connectivity. This funding can be used to facilitate telemedicine delivery systems to increase and improve access to healthcare.

We’re also allocating $339 million to support the people and programs that were financially affected by the coronavirus pandemic. Hospitals, nursing homes, veterans’ hospitals, and mental health services continue to face substantial negative economic impact, and these funds can be used to help respond to and offset these challenges. 

Other programs eligible for $55 million in funding include those that service food banks, child-welfare, long-term housing, victims of domestic violence, mental health disorders and senior citizens.

Our responsibility as state legislators is to advocate for and represent our communities to the best of our ability. While funding conversations can become controversial as leaders disagree over where and to whom monies go, I am confident that we all share a vision of making Alabama a better place for all. During this special session dedicated to allocating ARPA funds, we’ve had the opportunity to discuss, listen, and work together towards this common goal.

Advertisement. Scroll to continue reading.

Greg Reed is the president pro tempore of the Alabama Senate. He is a Republican who represents Jasper, Alabama.

More from the Alabama Political Reporter

Opinion

During the recent special session, we allocated $260 million in ARPA dollars to help the state continue building its broadband infrastructure.

Opinion

Permitting reform is needed now more than ever before.

Infrastructure

This project rehabilitates 15,540 square yards of the existing overflow apron pavement and 5,200 feet of taxiways.

Opinion

Those investments are represented by 234 projects in all 67 counties and 400 miles of resurfaced roadways.

Legislature

The House concurred 96-0 with the Senate's amended legislation. Final approval now rests with Gov. Kay Ivey.

News

The bill now goes to the full Senate for its consideration.

Legislature

A couple of Democratic members voiced concerns about the bill Tuesday, but only three Republicans ultimately voted against it.

Legislature

Money from $1 billion in federal COVID aid may just scratch the surface, organizations say.