Terri Sewell celebrates infrastructure improvements in Black Belt, elsewhere

Three years after the signing of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law under the administration of President Joe Biden, Terri Sewell has released a statement celebrating multiple projects completed in the Black Belt and elsewhere in Alabama. 

“I voted for the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law because it promised to make transformational improvements to Alabama’s infrastructure and reverse decades of disinvestment,” said Sewell.

“Three years later, we are delivering on that promise. Across Alabama, we are seeing billions of dollars pour into our communities to fix our roads, bridges, airports, and transit systems, all while creating good-paying jobs. And thanks to the provisions we negotiated, billions more are on the way to fix our water and sewer systems, expand internet access, and clean up pollution.”

The following projects in the Black Belt were highlighted by Sewell: 

Rail Safety in the Black Belt: The Department of Transportation granted $15.8 million to the Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT) to improved track and bridges in the Black Belt and in Central Alabama.

Environmental Cleanup at Craig Field Airport and Industrial Authority: Craig Field Airport and Industrial Authority was with $682,000 to clean up the Craig Field Flight Line site on Craig Industrial Parkway.

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"The cleanup site was part of the former 1,790-acre Craig Air Force Base, which operated from 1940 through 1977," said Sewell's statement. "Site contaminants include volatile organic compounds in soil vapors, heavy metals in soil and building structures, and groundwater contaminants. The funding will accelerate clean-up efforts of contaminated sites to build safer, more resilient communities."

Lead Pipe Replacement in Selma: Selma was provided with $15 million to replace 800 lead service lines with the aim of preventing public health risks associated with exposure to lead drinking water.

Clean School Buses in Selma: Selma received $1.7 million to purchase five "clean" school buses as part of an overall $5 billion investment.

Selma-to-Montgomery Trail: The City of Montgomery is set to receive $36 million to reconnect the West Montgomery residents on the Selma-to-Montgomery Trail to "opportunities and access by addressing poor social determinants of health that exist because of segregation, redlining, and construction of Interstates 65 and 85."

Montgomery Bus System: The Department of Transportation received $19.6 million to the City of Montgomery to purchase new battery electric buses, charging equipment, and to establish a workforce training program.

“I was the only member of Alabama’s congressional delegation to vote in favor of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law,” Sewell said. “But as my dad always said, it is okay to stand alone if you are standing up for what you believe.”