Sewell announces $1 million economic development grant

Alabama was awarded a $1 million federal grant to assist with recovery from the coronavirus pandemic and for economic development planning, Rep. Terri Sewell announced on Thursday. 

The grant — part of President Biden’s American Rescue Plan and targeted specifically towards economic development projects — was awarded by the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration. 

“As the only member of the Alabama delegation to vote in favor of the American Rescue Plan, I’m proud that this transformational law continues to deliver critical assistance to the State of Alabama,” Sewell said. “Today’s $1 million grant will lay the foundation for President Biden’s historic Build Back Better agenda and help Alabamians continue to recover from this pandemic.” 

The Economic Development Administration will distribute $3 billion in grants, and all 59 states and territories are eligible. Alabama’s award comes from the statewide planning program. 

The funds are intended to assist states in addressing problems caused by the pandemic, or exacerbated by it, and issues related to climate change.