FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 11, 2026
Contact: Sam Somogye, Press Secretary
sam_somogye@britt.senate.gov | (832) 525 1498
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Katie Britt (R-Ala.), Chair of the Homeland Security Subcommittee on Appropriations, recently directly secured $893,000 for the City of Jasper in the Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 Homeland Security Appropriations Act. This funding will support flood prevention infrastructure. In total, Senator Britt directly secured more than $14.97 million for Alabama in FY26 Homeland Security Appropriations funding.
Video footage of flooding in Jasper can be viewed here, courtesy of the City of Jasper.
The City of Jasper has faced persistent drainage issues for years, with repeated flooding impacting heavily populated residential areas as well as local businesses, including Jasper Feed & Seed, and new businesses currently under construction.
Because Jasper has already completed extensive engineering and design work, the city is now positioned to move from the planning phase to construction and implementation thanks to the funding secured by Senator Britt. This investment will include upgraded drainage infrastructure, water flow management, and the relocation and modification of existing structures.
“The funding I fight to bring home to Alabama is truly an investment in our communities and in the future of our great state. This $839,000 means Jasper will be better equipped to continue growing and supporting its residents and local businesses. I’m thrilled to see Alabamians’ taxpayer dollars strengthen infrastructure, improve public safety, and fuel economic growth—it’s exactly why I’m proud to sit on the Appropriations Committee and champion these important projects across our state,” said Senator Britt.
“We are grateful to Senator Britt for her support in securing this funding for the City of Jasper. Investments in flood mitigation are critical to protecting our infrastructure, improving public safety, and supporting continued growth in our community. This funding will allow us to take important next steps in addressing long-standing drainage and flooding concerns.” – Mayor Josh Gates, Jasper, AL
“This funding represents an important step forward for our community. Within my district, there are two areas that have experienced repeated flooding, impacting a significant number of residents. Through engineering consultation, we have identified meaningful flood mitigation strategies that this funding will help us address, alongside additional projects across the city.
“One of these areas also connects with a previous downtown drainage project, allowing us to build on that work and complete key components of the overall plan. This is exactly the type of proactive investment that helps us get ahead of potentially damaging situations before they become catastrophic.
“I appreciate Senator Britt’s efforts in securing this funding, which will allow the City to move forward with critical improvements to drainage infrastructure and water flow management that directly benefit our citizens.” – Jenny Brown Short, Jasper City Councilmember, District 1
###