U.S. Rep. Shomari Figures announces federal funding for Montgomery projects
Some big changes are in the works along part of Interstate 65 and Maxwell Boulevard in Montgomery, all thanks to new federal funding.
U.S. Rep. Shomari Figures (D-Alabama) joined Montgomery city, county and community leaders to announce more than $3Â million in federal funding coming to Montgomery.
Two million dollars will go toward an Alabama capital gateway project — for new signaling, lighting and the development of an extension road to connect the Clay and Herron Street exit with Maxwell Boulevard.
Another $1.5 million is being used for the Montgomery Regional Tech and Innovation Ecosystem initiative. That’s a new innovation lab to help teach job skills for high demand jobs in tech, cybersecurity and artificial intelligence.
“It will be used to boost workforce development efforts across Montgomery and surrounding areas,” Congressman Figures said. “We all know that here in Central Alabama, we need a strong pipeline of skilled labor, especially in tech and emerging field sectors. Investments and initiatives in fields like this one will help strengthen the talent pipeline and help ensure the region is ready for industry growth.”
“You’re seeing a well thought-out plan around driving economic growth, around some cornerstones that we know we’ve got to align together,” Montgomery Regional Chamber of Commerce President Anna Buckalew said. “And we are doing that. Big business, small business, innovation and workforce, also the support of our military and our infrastructure and our downtown.”
The funding will be available in the coming months. Leaders say there isn’t a timetable on when the projects will be finished.
