Homewood Receives $1 Million Federal Grant for Stormwater Management Project to Alleviate Flooding

Homewood Secures $1 Million Grant to Combat Flooding Issues

Homewood, AL – In a significant move to tackle persistent flooding problems in the city, officials gathered at Homewood City Hall on Tuesday to announce a federal grant of $1 million. This grant, secured through the efforts of U.S. Representative Terri Sewell, will help fund a major stormwater management project, aimed at reducing flooding along Griffin Creek and Shades Creek.

Mayor’s Commitment to Flooding Solutions

Homewood Mayor Patrick McClusky, who has focused on addressing flooding since his election in 2020, expressed enthusiasm for the project. “We bid this project out two years ago, and we’re really excited to start work on it,” said McClusky. The project includes the construction of a culvert on Huntingdon Road, which is expected to be a crucial part of the city’s stormwater control efforts.

With a total estimated cost of $1.8 million, the new grant will cover a significant portion of the expenses. McClusky stated that the city has already invested in various stormwater projects over the past couple of years, indicating a proactive approach to managing the increasing challenges posed by severe weather and urban development.

Community Concerns Addressed

“These are issues we hear on a daily basis,” McClusky commented. “Every time we have a bad rain, we have these stormwater issues. Hopefully, this project will go a long way toward alleviating some of these issues.” The mayor noted that flooding has been a recurring problem in Homewood, affecting residents and local infrastructure.

Support from Congressional Leadership

U.S. Representative Terri Sewell, whose newly drawn district includes Homewood, joined local officials in celebrating the grant, underscoring the importance of federal support for infrastructure projects. “The water and sewer infrastructure issues have plagued my district in the Black Belt, but it’s indiscriminate,” Sewell remarked. She highlighted that flooding issues are prevalent not only in rural areas but also in urban centers like Homewood.

Sewell has been active in securing funding for water infrastructure across Alabama, recently announcing a total of $13.1 million in grants for various projects within the state. The funds for Homewood are part of this broader initiative to improve community resilience against flooding.

Understanding the Flooding Crisis

Flooding is a significant issue in the entire Birmingham metro area, where urban development has exacerbated challenges related to stormwater management. Dr. Hamed Moftakhari, assistant professor of civil, construction and environmental engineering at the University of Alabama, explained that urbanization often replaces permeable surfaces with impervious ones like concrete and asphalt. This alteration leads to increased runoff and less water being absorbed into the ground.

“When you develop, as a side product of urbanization, we remove pervious surfaces,” Dr. Moftakhari explained. This change in landscape can overwhelm drainage systems, particularly during heavy rainfall, leading to flash floods and other related hazards.

Looking Ahead

As the city prepares to kick off this stormwater project, local officials, including Council members Jennifer Andress and Melanie Geer, indicated their support and optimism for meaningful improvements in Homewood’s infrastructure. With elections around the corner, the continuity of this work will be crucial for the next administration.

The new funding marks a pivotal step in Homewood’s ongoing battle against flooding, a challenge that has only grown with changing weather patterns and continued urban development. Residents are hopeful that this project, alongside others, will result in a safer and more resilient community.