Semmes uses American Rescue Plan Act funds for new Public Safety Complex

MOBILE COUNTY, Alabama – The City of Semmes recently received $200,000 of Mobile County Commission’s American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) allocation for its new Public Safety Complex, home to its fire and police departments.

The American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 is a multi-year comprehensive relief package aimed at mitigating the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on individuals, families, businesses, and communities across the U.S. It was signed into law in March 2021 by President Joe Biden. The Mobile County Commission received $80.26 million, which Commissioners Merceria Ludgood, Connie Hudson, and Randall Dueitt are targeting toward areas such as improving public facilities and infrastructure.

Design and construction for the Semmes Public Safety Complex was nearly $1 million.

“We knew that we were receiving these funds from the Mobile County Commission, and because of the process, we were almost finished with the building when we got them," Public Works Director Jason Franklin said. "They were clutch because we could spend the money on things inside the building, such as an emergency generator and training equipment for our police officers and firefighters.”

The City of Semmes also used the ARPA funds for drainage work, to install a concrete apron for the training area and a fence with a sliding gate, as well as awnings for both the police and fire sides of the building.

In 2023, Semmes fully staffed its new police department. The city now has 16 police officers and approximately 25 firefighters who serve a growing population of more than 6,000. The City of Semmes has three fire stations, with a fourth station going up soon in the Schillinger Road area due to rapid growth.

A Semmes native, Franklin said he has worked for three mayors over the past 10 years in his role. What hasn’t changed is the support of County Commissioner Connie Hudson.  

“Commissioner Hudson has been a vital part of our growth. She does so much for our community,” he said. “I’ve served under three different mayors, and each one of them has leaned on Commissioner Hudson. We feel like she’s one of ours. We can’t thank her enough.”

This is one of many impact projects assisted by the Mobile County Commission through its ARPA allocation. To learn more, go to mobilecountyal.gov.

Photos courtesy of Liz Lovelady, City of Semmes. Interview by A. Henderson.