I like to cut ribbons for new factories and new roads because that means we are making good progress. In this part of the state, up here, you all are doing fantastic.”Gov. Robert Bentley
GOOD HOPE – As of today, Friday, Jan. 22, exit 305, the new I-65 interchange at County Road 222 in Good Hope, is officially open. The Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT) opened the new exit to traffic after a ribbon-cutting ceremony at Topre America Corporation. The event was sponsored by the city of Cullman, the city of Good Hope, the Cullman Area Chamber of Commerce and the Cullman County Commission. Alabama Gov. Robert Bentley, U.S. Rep. Robert Aderholt, R-Ala., Alabama Sen. Paul Bussman, R-Cullman and Alabama Rep. Corey Harbison, R-Cullman were in attendance, among many others.
Good Hope Mayor Jerry Bartlett said he believes the new exit is going to be a huge positive for the city, especially because all four corners around the exit are in Good Hope city limits.
“I believe it will eventually attract new business, therefore having an economic impact in the form of sales tax, gas/fuel tax and/or possibly lodging tax. It is also a gateway for Smith Lake and Smith Lake Park. It is really wide open for growth and just an all-around win-win situation for the whole of Cullman County,” he said. “I’d like to thank Gov. Bentley, (our) state senators, (our) state legislators, ALDOT, City of Good Hope council members and Planning Commission, the city of Cullman, the Cullman County Commission and the Cullman Area Chamber of Commerce, just to name a few.”
Cullman Mayor Max A. Townson shared Bartlett’s enthusiasm over the project.
“The future looks very bright for all of Cullman County and the new 222 interchange,” he said. “Creating jobs and establishing parks and rec around the new interchange is about improving the quality of life for all of our citizens. What’s good for the city is good for the county, and what's good for the county is good for the city,” said Townson.
Townson said that one of most positive benefits of the new interchange will be the increased revenue from both industry and tourism, the latter particularly around Smith Lake, for Good Hope, Cullman County and the city of Cullman.
“The Cullman Chamber of Commerce will also benefit from lodging taxes, but the full impact could be several years down the road. We never abate school taxes, so schools will also benefit from the future development in this area,” he added.
Townson also said the development of 222 could provide some relief from the other interchanges as far as traffic concerns go. Business-wise, he doesn't think there will be a decrease in sales taxes, but the interchanges could become a destination point for travelers on I-65.
Assistant Director of the Cullman Economic Development Agency, Dale Greer said, “A new interchange routinely opens property for retail and commercial development. From a government perspective, that means new jobs, new business and a source of new tax revenue that continues the growth of a community. It often increases the retail offerings in a community and creates hotel and lodging opportunities. Everyone benefits.
“Because of the proximity to the industrial parks,” Greer continued, “I see great potential for the new 305 exit to become a key tractor trailer truck route and the potential to reduce some of the traffic congestion (particularly around the school opening and closing (times)) at the 304 exit.”
Gov. Bentley talked about the new interchange and spoke of the finances that allowed it to come about. He said he was extremely proud of how everyone worked together to accomplish the day’s event.
“I am proud to be here with you all today,” said Bentley. “I like to cut ribbons for new factories and new roads because that means we are making good progress. In this part of the state, up here, you all are doing fantastic,” he said. “I am proud of what you do here in Cullman and all of you in this area. You do a great job and have great representation. You’ve got a good senator; you’ve got good representatives here that do a great job.”
