Congressman Shomari C. Figures, D-Alabama, announced last Tuesday that he secured more than $3 million for two community projects in Montgomery.
Figures secured $2 million for the Alabama Capital Maxwell Gateway Project to support infrastructure improvements along Interstate 65 through Montgomery. He also secured $1.65 million for the Montgomery Regional Tech and Innovation Ecosystem Initiative to support technology, innovation and workforce development in central Alabama.
The funding came through Figures’ fiscal 2026 appropriations request. Figures announced the funding at a news conference Monday with Montgomery Mayor Steven Reed, Montgomery Area Chamber of Commerce President and Chief Executive Officer Anna Buckalew and Montgomery County Commission Vice Chairwoman Carmen Moore-Zeigler.
“Investing in the River Region strengthens our ability to compete for more economic development opportunities,” Figures said. “That is why securing over $3 million in funding for these community projects matters. I’m committed to doing everything I can to bring real resources back to the District to help support local efforts to improve our communities.”
“Today, we are proud to highlight the Montgomery Regional Tech and Innovation Ecosystem Initiative—a bold step forward in building a stronger, more resilient, tech-driven economy,” Reed said. “This moment reflects real progress toward transforming the River Region into a competitive and future-ready innovation hub. At its core, this initiative is rooted in a simple but powerful idea: that every resident deserves access to the skills and opportunities of the modern economy. With the support of our federal partners, our educational institutions, and our local business community, we are expanding opportunity and building a smarter, stronger, more innovative Montgomery for all.”
“With today’s announcement, we are seeing leadership in action. It’s not just about vision—it’s about execution and implementation,” Buckalew said. “Together, we have aligned around a clear plan to drive economic growth by strengthening our infrastructure, supporting our military, investing in workforce and innovation, and building a downtown that reflects the momentum of a capital city on the move.”
“Montgomery County is grateful to Congressman Figures for securing these important investments that strengthen both our infrastructure and our economic future,” Moore-Zeigler said. “The Maxwell Gateway Project will support critical improvements along a key Interstate 65 corridor, one of the primary gateways into our community and an important connection to Maxwell Air Force Base and the greater River Region. The Montgomery Regional Tech and Innovation Ecosystem Initiative also helps grow our technology sector, support workforce development, and create new opportunities as we continue working to move Montgomery County forward.”
