President Trump has signed five Fiscal Year 2026 bills into law, including an additional $15 million in Community Project Funding for North Alabama. The funding was secured by Congressman Dale Strong, who represents Alabama’s 5th district and serves on the House Appropriations Committee. This brings the total community project funding secured by Strong for his district to more than $33 million for FY26.
The new funding is part of H.R. 7148, the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2026. It targets transportation and infrastructure improvements as well as workforce development initiatives across Alabama’s Fifth District.
“As more families and businesses choose to call North Alabama home, the need for strategic infrastructure improvements and workforce development has never been greater. I know firsthand the traffic challenges and need for safer, more efficient roads. I’m proud to fight for federal investments that deliver real results. These projects will ensure North Alabama can continue to grow and lead,” said Congressman Strong.
The newly approved $15 million includes:
– $5.5 million for adding lanes on Capshaw Road from Old Monrovia Road to Jeff Road, aimed at reducing congestion in a rapidly growing area.
– $3 million to conduct a feasibility study on increasing capacity over the Tennessee River in Decatur, moving toward replacing the current bridge and improving traffic flow along an important economic corridor.
– $1 million for Athens State University’s Workforce Development and Multipurpose Center, supporting capital improvements to help students and workers gain skills needed by local employers.
– $2 million for Huntsville International Airport’s West Aviation Center project, which seeks to enhance aviation infrastructure and reinforce North Alabama’s role in defense, aerospace, and advanced manufacturing.
– $3.5 million for additional lanes on Slaughter Road to address congestion and safety concerns on a major commuter route.
Other previously announced allocations bring the total community project funding in FY26 to nearly $33.4 million. These include support for water treatment facilities in Ardmore; sanitary sewer upgrades in Triana; water storage tanks in Rogersville; radio system modernization in Lawrence County; equipment upgrades for police departments in Priceville, Hartselle, and Somerville; research facilities at University of Alabama in Huntsville and Auburn University Applied Research Institute; as well as further enhancements at Athens State University.
Dale Strong began serving as U.S. Representative from Alabama’s 5th district after replacing Mo Brooks in 2023 (https://strong.house.gov/about). Before his time in Congress he served with the Madison County Commission and held a seat in the Alabama House of Representatives (https://bioguide.congress.gov/search/bio/S001223). Born in Monrovia, Alabama, Strong currently lives in Huntsville (https://www.al.com/news/2022/06/who-is-dale-strong-get-to-know-the-new-congressman-for-north-alabama.html). He graduated from Athens State University with a Bachelor of Science degree.
