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Senate backs centralized grant database at ADECA, highlights broadband projects
Summary
Senators approved a bill to create an Alabama centralized grant management database at the Department of Economic and Community Affairs (ADECA), including a voluntary registry of grant writers and technical assistance to help rural communities access federal and private funds. Floor remarks also reviewed ongoing middle‑mile and last‑mile broadband projects.
The Senate approved Senate Bill 363 on March 31, 2026, establishing an Alabama centralized grant management database administered by the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs (ADECA).
Sen. Chestine, presenting the bill, said its purpose is to give small towns, rural counties, volunteer fire departments and nonprofits a single, publicly accessible platform listing federal, state and private grant opportunities and to provide guidance and a voluntary registry of grant writers and technical assistance providers. "This platform will include federal, state, local, and private grant opportunities and a registry of grant writers and technical assistance providers who can help applicants secure funding," Chestine said on the Senate floor.
Floor discussion also included ADECA program updates: sponsors described the state's middle‑mile broadband build (multiple grants and tens of millions in federal/state funding), anchor institution programs and last‑mile project planning. The bill requires ADECA to submit an annual report on grants listed, database users and barriers to administration.
The Senate adopted the committee report and passed the measure by roll call. If signed into law, ADECA will have rulemaking authority to operate the searchable portal and maintain the voluntary registry.
