Figures Secures Authorization of $50 Million to Strengthen Water Infrastructure Across Alabama and a Ban on Dumping Mud Material in Mobile Bay

WASHINGTON - Today, Congressman Shomari C. Figures (AL-02) announced that he 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 the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee today and will now advance to the House floor for a vote.

"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."

WRDA provides Members of Congress the opportunity every two years to authorize U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Civil Works (Army Corps) projects to improve the nation's ports and harbors, the inland waterway navigation network, flood and storm protection, and other water resources infrastructure. Funding must still be provided through the annual appropriations process before work can proceed.

Black Belt and East Alabama

Congressman Figures secured $40 million for public drinking water and wastewater infrastructure projects in all 12 counties in the Second Congressional District. Counties interested in funding for their water projects would need to collaborate with the Army Corps. For example:

• Butler County could use funding to address persistent wastewater issues.
• Russell County could use funding to improve stormwater management after torrential weather.
• Bullock County could use funding to update aging water treatment plants.

Mobile

Congressman Figures also secured legislative victories to address longstanding infrastructure priorities specifically for Mobile, including a ban on dumping dredge material into Mobile Bay and an additional $10 million for Brookley by the Bay.

"I'm very proud that this bill will include my amendment to ban dumping thin-layer dredge material into Mobile Bay," said Congressman Figures. "Dumping of this material into the Bay has been a threat to wildlife, fishing and small businesses. Through this bill, we can restore and protect one of our nation's most vital estuaries for years to come."

• Figures secured $10 million of the $50 million authorized in WRDA 2026 is dedicated to improvements for Brookley by the Bay to support economic development and continued growth along the Gulf Coast.
• Figures secured a prohibition on the disposal of thin-layer dredged material in Mobile Bay except in emergency situations after scientists, conservation groups and local businesses raised serious concerns about the impact on the environment.
• Figures secured the establishment of a multi-year restoration program conducted by the Secretary of the Army, in coordination with the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, that uses suitable dredged material to actively restore and protect Mobile Bay.
• Figures secured a study examining the source of contamination affecting waters surrounding the Africatown community, after years of residents' concerns about persistent pollution and its impacts on public health and the environment.
• Figures secured a study evaluating dredged material placement at Pinto Island and Blakeley Island to provide critical information to support informed decisions on channel maintenance, land use planning, and environmental stewardship.
• Figures secured a study examining ecosystem restoration opportunities at Big Creek Lake, a critical drinking water source and recreation area increasingly impacted by invasive species that threaten both water supply reliability and public access.