By Brandon Moseley
Alabama Political Reporter
MONGOMERY-Congresswoman Terri A. Sewell (D) from Selma made a string of announcements in the past week of federal funds that have recently been awarded to projects in the Seventh District. The University of West Alabama (UWA) was awarded $235,543 from the U.S. Department of Education under the Minority Science and Engineering Improvement Program (MSEIP).” The funds will be used to attract and retain students in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) disciplines and address the shortage of minorities in professional STEM fields. North Choctaw County was awarded a $1.6 million grant and a $2 million loan from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development. The funding will help the North Choctaw Water and Sewer Authority make vital repairs and improvements to existing water infrastructure, while both adding interconnectivity to neighboring water systems and purchasing new radio read meters and equipment. The Demopolis Municipal Airport was awarded $1.8 million to update and rehabilitate their existing runways by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
Livingston Mayor Thomas Tartt said, “We would like to thank Congresswoman Sewell for helping us secure these funds and for keeping the promises she made on the campaign trail. We all understand the importance of STEM education and this grant will allow the University of West Alabama to launch new initiatives and programs designed to reinforce science and mathematics in the classroom and generate interest in theses critically important subjects.”
Rep. Sewell said, “I am pleased that the Department of Education will provide this important funding to the University of West Alabama to increase participation and reduce the attrition rate of minority students in the STEM disciplines. As a member of the House Committee on Science, Space and Technology, I understand how vital STEM education is to safe-guarding America’s global competitive edge. The federal funding will help UWA provide much needed resources for students who can lead this nation in innovation and technology.”
Lisman Mayor Thomas Jackson said, “We are thankful to Congresswoman Sewell for her hard work in helping us secure these resources. The health and well-being of Alabamians and the people of Choctaw County will be ensured through the upgrades and investments we can now make in our water systems. These much needed funds will help improve our water and sanitation system and enhance the quality of life for the residents of Choctaw County.”
Rep. Sewell said, “I am delighted that USDA will provide this vital funding to Choctaw County to help rehabilitate their existing water well system. This community was in dire need of immediate funding for a new well and water lines after the recent collapse of an outdated water infrastructure that left families without access to clean water earlier this year.”
Demopolis Mayor J. Michael Grayson said, “We would like to express our gratitude to Congresswoman Sewell for her continued support. This funding is important to the citizens of Demopolis and surrounding communities. We look forward to the opportunities that this grant will create for this city, county and state.”
Rep. Sewell said, “This funding will improve the existing runways and enhance safety at Demopolis Municipal Airport, which will allow them to manage more traffic and attract new businesses. When new businesses are attracted, jobs are created and more goods are transported across the country. These are the types of funding opportunities that will make the State of Alabama and the 7th Congressional District stronger.”
Congresswoman Terri Sewell represents Alabama’s Seventh Congressional District. Congresswoman Sewell is the only remaining Democrat in Alabama’s Congressional Delegation. She is facing Selma Republican, Don Chamberlain, in the November 6th General Election. Rep. Sewell’s is seeking her second term in the U.S. Congress.
To read all three of these Congresswoman Sewell press releases in their entirety:
