$3 million in stormwater funding for Alabama's Vestavia Hills delayed

A $3 million federal earmark for stormwater infrastructure improvements in Vestavia Hills, Alabama, is facing delays, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The funding, secured by Sen. Katie Britt through the FY2024 appropriations process, was intended for drainage upgrades east of Highway 31 to address recurring flooding and erosion.

City officials said Vestavia Hills has completed required preliminary steps and is awaiting guidance from EPA on when the funds will be released. The agency has not provided a reason for the delay. The city emphasized that federal earmarks can take up to five years to move forward and that spending before final project approval could jeopardize eligibility.

The funding is part of the EPA’s Clean Water State Revolving Fund program, which supports water quality infrastructure projects nationwide. Vestavia Hills requested an additional $1 million for FY2025, but that request was not included in the Senate’s appropriations bill.