Rep. Shomari Figures secures authorization of $50 million to strengthen water infrastructure across Alabama

July 5, 2026

Alabama Congressman Shomari Figures (AL-02) announced this week that he has secured a provision in the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) of 2026 authorizing $50 million in federal funding to address critical water and wastewater infrastructure across the Second Congressional District.

The bill passed through the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee this week and will now advance to the House of Representatives for a floor vote. As a part of this funding, $40 million of it is secured for public drinking water and wastewater infrastructure projects in all 12 counties in the district, which includes Pike County.

If Pike County, or any other city or county in the district, has an eligible water infrastructure project, it would collaborate with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to determine whether the project qualifies under the authorized program. Any funding would then also be subject to future congressional appropriations and the House Appropriations Committee would allocate or disburse the funding.

In addition, $10 million of the funding is dedicated to improvements for Brookley by the Bay to support economic development along the Gulf Coast. Figures also secured a prohibition on the display of thin-layer dredged material in Mobile Bay except in emergency situations after scientists, conservation groups and local businesses raised concerns about the impact on the environment.

“Safe and clean water is a right in this country, and it’s our responsibility to provide the resources that are essential to make this a reality for communities across America,” said Congressman Figures. “From infrastructure issues plaguing Prichard, to wastewater issues in the Black Belt, to aging water treatment equipment in East Alabama, cities and towns in rural areas will be able to access funding to make critical updates to their infrastructure. As the sole Alabama member on the House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee, I’m proud to secure these wins for our state to ensure our communities receive the federal attention and investment they deserve.”

Issues: Congress Economy