North Alabama transportation, energy and workforce development projects would receive $16.5 million under a federal spending bill approved this week by the House Appropriations Committee.
The funding is included in the fiscal year 2027 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development appropriations bill, which the committee advanced during a markup session. U.S. Representative Dale Strong, R-Alabama, who serves on the subcommittee, said the investments are aimed at supporting the region’s steady growth and addressing infrastructure demands.
“As North Alabama leads in growth, innovation, and economic opportunity, I am committed to ensuring our infrastructure investments keep pace with that success,” Strong said. “I am proud to advance targeted investments for North Alabama that reduce traffic congestion, support our growing communities, and speed the delivery of transformational transportation projects.”
The largest transportation allocation in the package is $4 million for Madison County to widen heavily traveled sections of Jeff Road, where population growth has contributed to congestion. Another $3 million would go toward widening Blake Bottom Road from two lanes to five lanes, while $2 million would go to the city of Madison to expand Wall Triana Highway by adding a continuous center turn lane along about 2.6 miles of roadway.
The bill also includes $1 million for Madison County to widen a 2.44-mile segment of Alabama Highway 53 between Harvest Road and Old Railroad Bed Road. In Huntsville, $500,000 would support the extension of State Route 255 from U.S. Highway 231/431 to County Road 93.
Elsewhere in the region, Decatur would receive $1 million for improvements along the Bibb Garrett Road-Airport Road corridor, while Lawrence County would receive $500,000 for roadway resurfacing, culvert replacements and other infrastructure upgrades on several county roads.
Beyond transportation projects, the legislation also includes $3 million for the North Alabama Public Energy District to begin construction of a proposed 137-mile natural gas pipeline intended to strengthen energy capacity and reliability across the region.
Huntsville International Airport would receive $1 million for improvements, including an aircraft apron and connector taxiway. Calhoun Community College would receive $500,000 to complete construction of a facility that supports health care workforce training.
Strong said the funding package reflects efforts to support economic development while improving transportation networks and critical infrastructure throughout North Alabama.
The North Alabama projects are part of a transportation and housing spending measure that House Republicans say prioritizes infrastructure modernization and public safety.
The legislation includes funding to upgrade the nation’s air traffic control system, hire additional air traffic controllers and replace aging aviation infrastructure. It also provides more than $6.3 billion in new budget authority for highway, rail and airport projects nationwide.
The bill now heads to the full House of Representatives for consideration as lawmakers continue work on federal spending legislation for fiscal year 2027.
