How Alabama is spending federal infrastructure dollars

The federal government has announced $7.1 billion in funds toward Alabama infrastructure projects. Most of these funds are going toward transportation projects, at 58.2%, which this analysis will cover more thoroughly in the next section.
Unsurprisingly, Jefferson County received the most federal funding in the state at $268.2 million—though that only includes projects where White House data specified the county, leaving out billions of dollars across hundreds of projects.
Some of the largest non-transportation projects in Alabama were funded through the Broadband Equity, Access, And Deployment Program; the Advanced Industrial Facilities Deployment Program; and others.

Transportation projects dominate overall infrastructure funding allocations, according to the data. Just over half of federal dollars announced so far are geared toward transportation projects across the country. Within the category, most funding has been doled out to build, repair, or modernize roads, bridges, and other major projects. The same is true in Alabama, where 78.0% of transportation funds are going toward these.
Some initiatives, like the National Highway Performance Program and National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Formula Program, provided specific allocations to states to invest in broad categories. Others were awarded through applications for more specific expansion or repair projects. A few of the large titled projects in Alabama include:
- $42 million in Railroad Crossing Elimination Grants funding for the railroad crossing elimination on Shelby County Road 52
- $32 million in Operation and Maintenance (No-Year) funding for the Mobile Harbor
- $30 million in Inland Waterways Projects funding for the Black Warrior And Tombigbee Rivers
This is a snapshot of allocations as of July, but new projects are announced every couple of weeks. With so much funding going into the nation's infrastructure, residents are likely to encounter working crews and new features wherever they travel—whether driving, by plane, on public transit, or otherwise—for years to come. Lawmakers hope that these efforts will modernize the nation, enhance safety and resilience, all the while creating jobs and boosting American industries.
This story features data reporting and writing by Paxtyn Merten and is part of a series utilizing data automation across 50 states.