Appropriations Committee Advances Strong’s Funding for North Alabama Water Infrastructure Improvements

June 3, 2026 Press Release WASHINGTON — Representative Dale Strong, member of the Appropriations Committee, highlighted the Committee’s passage of the Fiscal Year 2027 Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations bill, which includes funding for two critical water improvement projects in rural North Alabama communities. The funding approved by the Appropriations Committee during Wednesday’s markup will help local communities address aging sewer infrastructure, improve system reliability, and support future growth. “Reliable water infrastructure is essential to protecting public health, supporting economic development, and improving quality of life in our rural communities,” said Representative Dale Strong. “I’m proud to advocate for these projects that will help ensure that families and businesses in these communities have access to modern, dependable water infrastructure systems.” The bill includes the Congressman’s community project funding requests for the following infrastructure improvement projects: $1,150,000 for the City of New Hope to make critical improvements to its wastewater system, restoring structural integrity, protecting public health and ensuring reliable wastewater service for residents and local businesses. $1,000,000 for the Waterworks Board of Section and Dutton to upgrade their water treatment plant, improving drinking water, increasing operational capacity to meet current customer demands, and ensuring long-term service continuity. These projects will help strengthen essential infrastructure, improve system efficiency, and support the long-term needs of the communities they serve. The FY27 Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations bill now heads to the full U.S. House of Representatives for consideration. BACKGROUND: The FY27 Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Bill Strengthens U.S. national security by reducing our reliance on foreign countries for critical minerals by promoting access to domestic resources. Promotes American Energy Dominance and cuts through red tape by reducing reliance on foreign oil, promoting domestic onshore oil and gas development, and responsibly developing offshore critical mineral leases. Protects access to public lands by blocking restrictions on hunting, fishing, and recreational shooting on federal lands and prohibits restrictions on where standard lead ammunition and fishing tackle can be used on certain federal lands and waters. Improves federal firefighting activities across the Department of the Interior, implementing the Administration’s proposal to create the U.S. Wildland Fire Service. Safeguards American taxpayer dollars and preserves core functions by reducing funding for the Environmental Protection Agency by 20%. ###