Funding for water improvements could come to 2 Gulf Coast communities

MOBILE, Ala. ( WKRG ) — Funding could be coming to two Gulf Coast communities as U.S. Senator Katie Britt, a member of the Senate Committee of Appropriations, voted to bring more than $2 million to help improve local water systems.

“When I joined the Appropriations Committee, I promised to return your hard-earned
taxpayer dollars home to Alabama,” Senator Britt said.

According to a press release, Senator Britt acquired funding through the Fiscal Year 2025 Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, for the Town of Grove Hill and the City of Bayou La Batre.

Town of Grove Hill — The Town of Grove Hill could receive $312,000 to help modernize its existing water lines maintained by the water system and to replace existing main lines with upgraded lines. In addition, the release said the funding would add fire hydrants along upgrade lines to help increase firefighting capacity.

City of Bayou La Batre — The City of Bayou La Batre could receive $1.97 million to make critical upgrades to the wastewater treatment facility. Specific upgrades will include replacing the headworks and ultraviolet systems.

Officials with both areas say the funds will have a positive impact on the community.

“Any time that we can make much-needed improvements to any services for the city, it is a plus,” Grove Hill Mayor Ross Wood said. “But the appropriation from Senator Britt will make the biggest difference you can imagine. The much-needed funds will allow Grove Hill to increase the size of the water line running down several streets. Because now, we will have the ability to add much-needed fire hydrants on streets that have not had them.”

“We extend our heartfelt thanks to Senator Britt for her unwavering support and dedication to our project. Her commitment to enhancing our infrastructure reflects a shared vision for a healthier, more sustainable future. This funding will have a profound and lasting impact on our ability to provide safe, clean water and protect our natural resources. As we move forward, we are excited about the positive changes this grant will bring to our community and the environment,” said the Director of Water & Sewer Operations at the Utilities Board for the City of Bayou La Batre Dan McCrory.

The release said that the Fiscal Year 2025 Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act now awaits consideration by the full Senate.

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