A plan to spend $1.06 billion in federal dollars on water and sewer projects, healthcare, expansion of broadband access and other programs won quick approval today in the Alabama House of Representatives.

The House passed the bill by a vote of 102-3 after about a half-hour of discussion.

The money is from the American Rescue Plan Act, approved by Congress two years ago to help states recover from the COVID-19 pandemic. The money is the second half of Alabama’s share of ARPA funds. The Legislature allocated the first $1 billion of Alabama’s ARPA funds in 2021 and 2022.

The bill that passed today moves to the Senate, which could approve it later this week. Lawmakers are meeting in a special session called by Gov. Kay Ivey.

The plan would allocate $400 million to water and sewer projects, $339 million to healthcare costs, including reimbursements for hospitals and nursing homes, and $260 million to expand access to broadband internet. Another $55 million would fund a grant program for community programs like those for food banks, senior citizens, housing assistance, and summer learning and sports programs for children.

Alabama House Speaker Nathaniel Ledbetter, R-Rainsville, said today’s quick approval was the result of numerous meetings where lawmakers had a chance to get their questions answered.

“I’m excited about it. I think we made an investment in our state today,” Ledbetter said.

This story will be updated.