Washington, DC – Today, Congresswoman Terri A. Sewell (AL-07) announced that the state of Alabama will receive $55 million in community development block grant disaster recovery funding from The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Approximately $16.6 million will be awarded to the City of Tuscaloosa, $6.4 million to the City of Birmingham, and $7.8 million to Jefferson County, all of which are located in the 7th Congressional District of Alabama. This funding will enable each community to make vital repairs and improvements in infrastructure, housing, economic development projects, and emergency preparedness.

“I am delighted that HUD will provide this vitally important funding to the cities of Birmingham, Tuscaloosa and Jefferson County to continue to rebuild their communities. These cities are in need of funding for economic development and infrastructure renovation as a result of the April tornadoes. Alabamians are still in desperate need of relief and this funding will assist in their rebuilding and recovery efforts,” said Congresswoman Sewell.

“Last year, I personally saw the extent of the destruction left behind by several of these disasters, the hardship these communities are feeling, and the work that lies ahead,” said HUD Secretary Shaun Donovan. “These funds, will supplement other forms of disaster assistance to put these states and local areas on the path toward long-term recovery.”

"This funding is needed to aid in the continued rebuilding process for the City of Birmingham. The allocation will go a long way in addressing continued critical needs left in the wake of the April storms,” said Mayor William Bell. “We will not stop our efforts on a local, state and federal level until we are able to rebuild bigger and better than ever.”

“This allocation is a tremendous step in our recovery, as we begin to renew and rebuild the City of Tuscaloosa since the storms of 2011,” said Mayor Walter Maddox. “Throughout this entire process, we have realized the importance of keeping an open dialogue with our entire congressional delegation, and Congresswoman Sewell has been an amazing asset in achieving this victory for our City.”

“Given the tremendous devastation caused by last April's tornadoes, I'm very pleased with the funds that the county will be receiving,” said Jefferson County Commission President David Carrington. “The Commission sincerely appreciates the work of our representatives and senators in Washington in securing this much-needed money.”

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Contact:  Rob NeSmith;  202.225.2665;  Rob.nesmith@mail.house.gov