Congressman Aderholt Announces Federal Funding for Water Emergency Backup Generators in West Lauderdale County

Washington, D.C. - Congressman Robert Aderholt (AL-04) today announced that the Congressionally funded Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) has approved a $224,000 grant to the West Lauderdale Water and Fire Protection Authority for the installation of emergency backup generators at six critical booster pump stations. The project, located in Florence, Alabama, will benefit communities in both the 4th and 5th Congressional Districts by ensuring uninterrupted water service during power outages.

"This new grant means thousands of families and businesses in West Lauderdale County will no longer have to worry about losing water access when the power goes out," said Congressman Aderholt. "Reliable infrastructure is the bedrock of strong communities, and this investment ensures not only basic services, but also public safety through uninterrupted fire protection."

The six diesel-powered generators-expected to produce more than 540,000 kWh annually-will serve over 5,000 households and 120 businesses. In addition to greater resilience during inclement weather, the project will generate an estimated $58,900 in annual cost savings by reducing service disruption and damage from outages

This water infrastructure grant follows an earlier ARC award in March of nearly $1 million to the Florence-Lauderdale Port Authority to restore aging mooring cells at the city's vital inland port on the Tennessee River. That project, part of ARC's Appalachian Regional Initiative for Stronger Economies (ARISE), will help preserve essential river-based commerce and protect jobs tied to transportation, agriculture, and manufacturing in the region.

"These back-to-back ARC grants show a strong commitment to Lauderdale County's infrastructure and economy," Aderholt added. "From clean water to reliable ports, we are securing the assets that support daily life and long-term opportunity in northwest Alabama."

For more information about ARC's mission and programs, visit https://www.arc.gov.

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