JeffCo, Birmingham spend federal money on housing assistance, other needs
Hundreds of voters stood in line in the rain at the Jefferson County Courthouse to cast absentee ballots in person before the November election. Federal funds helped repay election officials for extra steps they had to take during the unusual year.
By Solomon Crenshaw Jr. and Sam Prickett
More than $359 million in federal dollars flowed through the hands of Jefferson County and Birmingham city officials in the past two years to help the area get through and past the pandemic. And more money is yet to come this spring.
Of course, that’s a drop in the bucket of the $3 billion in federal money that came to the area when direct aid for businesses, schools, hospitals, and other entities are considered. But looking at where the major portions of that funding is going shows the needs of the community and priorities set by its leaders.
Housing
The city and county have spent more than $72 million on housing-related programs and assistance. Much of that money went to rental assistance, programs to improve neighborhoods, housing rehab, improvements to recreation facilities, homeless assistance, utility assistance, other forms of helping people at risk of losing their homes, and groups that help with these efforts.
Infrastructure
More than $56 million went directly to infrastructure projects such as sewer, stormwater, and clean water projects and improvements in neighborhoods. But money under some of the other categories also could be used for relevant infrastructure projects.
Government and agencies
At least $37.7 million was handed out by the county and the city in assistance to smaller governmental agencies. Money under some of the other categories also would have paid relevant costs for the agencies and government offices.
Businesses and economy
About $33.5 million went to small business relief, recruitment of conventions, aid to tourism entities, job training assistance, the World Games, and remediation of the Daniel Payne industrial site. Some of that amount also could have paid for food assistance. Money under some of the other categories also could have paid relevant costs for businesses.
Public safety
At least $19.3 million was directed to public safety, including funding for fire departments, law enforcement, emergency management, and public safety initiatives.
Health care
More than $14 million went toward COVID-related public health expenses such as testing and vaccination, mental health services, and funding for health care providers. Some of the money also went for food pantries, job assistance, and emergency services.
Voting
More than $1.4 million was awarded to Jefferson County to make up for extra costs associated with the elections in 2020.
Employees
The city prioritized spending on its employees, allocating $17.7 million to bonuses for city employees and vacation buyouts for fire, police, and public works employees. The county also gave its employees 3% raises and longevity pay, funded through the general fund.
1960s pop star Connie Francis has died. The singer’s life was touched by tragedies
1960s pop star Connie Francis has died. The first female singer to chart a number-one single on the Billboard Hot 100, she sold over 40 million records before the age of 25.
Marc Maron on why it’s time for his ‘WTF’ podcast to end
Marc Maron is proud of his run as host of his podcast, WTF. And because of that, he's bringing it to a close. He wants to avoid it becoming just another show "feeding the garbage bin of content."
Virginia is for … data centers? Residents are increasingly saying no
The world's highest concentration of data centers is in Virginia. Many residents are not happy about that.
Senate approves cuts to NPR, PBS and foreign aid programs
The Senate voted to approve a $9 billion rescission package aimed at clawing back money already allocated for public radio and television.
Gulf Coast braces for flooding as storm builds into possible tropical depression
The weather system moving across the Florida Panhandle on Wednesday was showing a greater chance of becoming a tropical depression as it moves toward the northern Gulf Coast.
White House says U.S. fentanyl overdose programs will be funded ‘in increments’
CDC staffers worry $140 million in grants could fail to reach state and local overdose programs. The White House officials say the dollars will arrive but won't say when.
