GUNTERSVILLE– U.S. Rep. Robert Aderholt met with municipal leaders Thursday in Guntersville to discuss federal funding, rural healthcare, workforce development, and infrastructure needs across Alabama’s Fourth Congressional District.

Aderholt’s office said mayors, council members, municipal employees, and other local officials attended the Aug. 20 meeting.

“The Fourth Congressional District is fortunate to have strong local leaders who understand their communities and work hard for the people they serve,” Aderholt said.

He added that the federal government should support local communities when needed while allowing local leaders to make decisions best handled at home.

Where Is Alabama’s Fourth Congressional District?

Alabama’s Fourth Congressional District stretches across much of northern Alabama, from the Shoals and Mississippi state line eastward to Sand Mountain.

The current district includes all of Blount, Colbert, Cullman, DeKalb, Fayette, Franklin, Lamar, Marion, Marshall, Walker, and Winston counties. It also includes portions of Lauderdale and Tuscaloosa counties.

Within the WEIS coverage area, DeKalb and Marshall counties are part of Aderholt’s district. Guntersville, where Thursday’s meeting occurred, is the Marshall County seat.

Aderholt, a Republican from Haleyville, has represented the district since January 1997.

Proposed Projects Total More Than $96 Million

Aderholt discussed 20 Fiscal Year 2027 Community Project Funding requests totaling $96,760,130.

Community Project Funding allows members of Congress to request federal money for specifically identified local projects. Members must publicly disclose each proposed recipient, the requested amount, the project’s purpose, and its connection to an eligible federal program.

Aderholt’s office said the 20 requests have advanced through the House committee process. However, committee approval does not represent a final federal award.

The projects must survive the remaining appropriations process in Congress and become part of legislation signed into law before agencies can distribute the money.

Aderholt serves as chairman of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies. That panel oversees federal spending involving workforce programs, medical research, public health, and education.

During his remarks, Aderholt said his priorities include strengthening the American workforce, supporting rural hospitals, investing in medical research, and improving oversight of taxpayer dollars.

Healthcare, Workforce, and Infrastructure Requests

The largest request is $12.08 million for a modernization project at Lakeland Community Hospital in Haleyville. Plans call for expanding and modernizing the emergency department while adding diagnostic imaging services.

Another $10 million request would expand public water service into rural portions of Marion County.

Aderholt also requested nearly $10 million for an Accelerated Defense Manufacturing Training Center at Northwest Shoals Community College. The proposed center would train workers in welding, machining, additive manufacturing, precision measurement, and other advanced manufacturing fields.

An additional $8.5 million request would support the construction and expansion of a career-technical center operated by Blount County Schools.

Several proposed projects would directly serve communities in DeKalb and Marshall counties.

Those include more than $4.24 million to add two operating rooms at DeKalb Regional Medical Center in Fort Payne. Another $4.5 million would provide two elevated water-storage tanks for the Waterworks Boards of Section and Dutton.

A $1.3 million request would help the Marshall County Sheriff’s Office build a special-operations training facility and modern training range.

Swayback Bridge Funding Already Awarded

Aderholt also highlighted the $16.17 million federal BUILD Grant previously awarded to Marshall County.

Unlike the proposed Fiscal Year 2027 projects, the bridge grant has already been awarded.

Marshall County will use the money to replace the aging Swayback Bridge and realign about 2,000 feet of Hustleville Road. Plans include wider shoulders, safety improvements, and the relocation and upgrade of a water line.

The U.S. Department of Transportation administers the competitive Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development program. BUILD grants support transportation projects expected to have significant local or regional benefits.

Aderholt’s office said the Swayback Bridge project received Alabama’s only BUILD Grant during the latest award cycle. Aderholt previously wrote Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy in support of Marshall County’s application.

“This is a good example of what can happen when local officials build a strong case and we work together to make sure Washington understands the need,” Aderholt said.

Midterm Elections and America’s 250th Anniversary

Aderholt also discussed the upcoming midterm elections. According to his office, he criticized Democrats and warned that he believes the growth of socialist policies threatens the country and its way of life.

He also addressed America’s 250th anniversary and his work as a commissioner with America250. Congress established the U.S. Semiquincentennial Commission to help coordinate the national commemoration.

Aderholt said the anniversary offers communities an opportunity to celebrate American history while renewing their commitment to the values that strengthen local cities and towns.

He encouraged municipal officials to contact his Washington or district offices when they need assistance with federal agencies, grant opportunities, or community projects.