U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell, an Alabama Democrat and close ally of Vice President Kamala Harris, secured $13.1 million in grants this year for several projects around the state, and this week she’s been handing out the symbolic cardboard checks.

But it’s real money that could help Selma rebuild its downtown, expand services at an urban mental health clinic in Birmingham and a rural one in Selma, and build a new daycare facility for the Loveman Village housing community in Birmingham.

The $13.1 million allotment from the 2024 federal budget is for community projects in Sewell’s 7th Congressional District. “It gives me an opportunity to direct resources where they’re needed,” Sewell said.

On Thursday, Sewell went to her hometown to present a check for $1,666,279 to Selma Mayor James Perkins to revitalize infrastructure in the City of Selma, which has struggled with population loss. The funding will be used to repair roads and sidewalks within a 12-block area of downtown.

“I grew up here in Selma, and I know what’s possible from this district with the right resources and opportunities,” Sewell said. “Projects like this help foster economic development and make our city a better place to live and work.”

She also delivered a check for $600,000 from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to Rural Health Medical Program CEO Keshee Dozier-Smith to expand mental health and substance abuse services at the Selma clinic.

“In this great nation of so much wealth and abundance, no American should go without access to healthcare, whether you live in a big city or a small town,” Sewell said. “That is especially true for those who struggle with a mental health condition or substance use.”

On Friday, she stopped by Alabama Regional Medical Services in North Birmingham to deliver a check for $600,000 to Alabama Regional Medical Services CEO Dr. Ted Greer Jr. as part of the same program, to expand the clinic’s mental health and substance use services.

It is part of $240 million allocated by the Biden-Harris Administration to expand behavioral health services at community health centers across America, Sewell said.

Sewell also stopped at Loveman Village in Birmingham, where dilapidated buildings have been torn down and replaced by modern apartments, but the daycare center remains in poor condition.

Sewell presented a check for $1 million to the Housing Authority of the Birmingham District to renovate and expand the daycare facility at the former Loveman Village to accommodate more children.

“No child should go without the resources and support they need to reach their God-given potential, and no parent should go without access to high-quality, affordable childcare,” Sewell said.

“Early childhood education is a vital part of the foundation for success and these funds will truly make an impact for generations to come,” said Dontrelle Young Foster, President and CEO of the Housing Authority of the Birmingham District.

On Tuesday, Sewell will deliver a ceremonial check in Homewood, representing $1 million in funding to install a stormwater culvert and water drainage improvements.

More details on the $13.1 million in funding spread across 15 projects are available here. “It’s transformational for a lot of the communities that receive this funding,” Sewell said.

At several points, Sewell mentioned her support of Harris’ presidential campaign, which she feels is key to continued funding for needed projects in Alabama.

“One of the things I’m very proud of in supporting Vice President Harris is she’s made a commitment to build 33 million affordable quality housing (units) over her term,” Sewell said. “That’s what we need; we need a commitment.”