North Alabama could see $16.5 million in federal funding for road improvements, airport upgrades, workforce development and energy infrastructure under a spending bill recently approved by the U.S. House Appropriations Committee.
The funding package, backed by U.S. Rep. Dale Strong (R-Huntsville), includes several high-profile transportation projects aimed at easing congestion and keeping pace with the region’s rapid growth.
Among the largest proposed investments is $4 million for Madison County to widen portions of Jeff Road, one of the area’s busiest corridors. Another $3 million would help widen Blake Bottom Road from two lanes to five lanes, while $1 million is proposed to widen a stretch of State Route 53 between Harvest Road and Old Railroad Bed Road.
The City of Madison would receive $2 million to expand Wall Triana Highway from two lanes to three lanes, including the addition of a continuous center turn lane along approximately 2.6 miles of roadway.
Strong said the projects are intended to address transportation needs created by North Alabama’s continued growth.
“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.”
Additional funding included in the proposal would support projects across the region.
The City of Huntsville would receive $500,000 to help extend State Route 255 from U.S. Highway 231/431 to County Road 93, while the City of Decatur would receive $1 million for improvements to Bibb Garrett Road and Airport Road.
The Huntsville-Madison County Airport Authority is slated to receive $1 million for an aircraft apron and connector taxiway project at Huntsville International Airport.
The package also includes $3 million for the North Alabama Public Energy District to begin construction of a 137-mile natural gas pipeline designed to increase energy capacity and reliability across the region.
Lawrence County would receive $500,000 to resurface deteriorating roads, replace failing culverts and improve several county roadways, while Calhoun Community College would receive $500,000 to complete a healthcare workforce training facility.
Strong said the funding would help improve quality of life while supporting continued economic development throughout the Tennessee Valley.
“This funding will improve critical roadways in Lawrence, Morgan and Madison counties; expand key transportation corridors in Huntsville, Madison and Decatur; enhance infrastructure and investment at Huntsville International Airport; and support long-term energy reliability by investing in a new natural gas pipeline,” Strong said. “I will always work to strengthen the Tennessee Valley’s infrastructure, support continued economic growth and improve quality of life for the families, workers and businesses who call North Alabama home.”
The funding was approved during committee consideration of the Fiscal Year 2027 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development appropriations bill. The legislation now moves to the full U.S. House of Representatives for consideration.
