Aderholt highlights $96.7 million in Alabama community projects
The congressman outlined nearly $97 million in proposed community projects, from rural hospital upgrades to water service and workforce training.
U.S. Representative Robert Aderholt, R-Alabama, spoke Thursday in Guntersville to municipal leaders from across Alabama’s 4th Congressional District, highlighting his work in Congress on local infrastructure, rural health care, workforce development and other community priorities.
Aderholt thanked mayors, council members, clerks, municipal employees and other local officials for their service and said local leaders are often best positioned to understand the needs of their communities.
“The Fourth Congressional District is fortunate to have strong local leaders who understand their communities and work hard for the people they serve,” Aderholt said. “The federal government should be a partner where it can help, and it should get out of the way when local leaders are better positioned to make the decision.”
Aderholt also discussed ongoing appropriations work in Washington and his priorities as chairman of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education. According to his office, he highlighted efforts to strengthen the workforce, support rural health care, invest in medical research and ensure taxpayer dollars are spent responsibly and transparently.
His office said Aderholt also discussed the upcoming midterm election and what he described as the rise of socialism in the Democratic Party and the threat he believes it poses to the country.
A significant portion of Aderholt’s remarks focused on Community Project Funding requests for fiscal year 2027. Projects requested by Aderholt and approved in committee total more than $96.7 million, with proposed investments in water and wastewater infrastructure, rural hospitals, workforce training, public safety, libraries, transportation and other community needs.
Among the projects Aderholt highlighted were more than $12 million for the modernization of Lakeland Community Hospital in Winston County, $10 million to expand public water service in rural areas of Marion County, nearly $10 million for an Accelerated Defense Manufacturing Training Center at Northwest Shoals Community College and $8.5 million for a new Career Technical Center in Blount County.
Speaking in Marshall County, Aderholt also highlighted the recently awarded $16.17 million BUILD Grant to replace the Swayback Bridge on Hustleville Road. According to his office, the competitive Department of Transportation award is the only BUILD Grant awarded in Alabama this year.
Aderholt said he worked with local officials on the project and wrote Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy urging the department to give Marshall County’s application strong consideration.
“This is a good example of what can happen when local officials build a strong case and we work together to make sure Washington understands the need,” Aderholt said. “Each of these projects begins with a local need identified by people who know the community best. That is why the partnership between municipal leaders and my office is so important.”
Aderholt also discussed the United States’ 250th anniversary and his service as an America 250 commissioner, saying the anniversary provides an opportunity to celebrate the nation’s history and renew a commitment to values that strengthen communities.
“My office in Washington and our district offices are always open to you,” Aderholt told the local leaders. “Please never hesitate to reach out when we can help your community navigate a federal agency, identify a grant opportunity, or advocate for a project that serves the public good.”
