Much needed repairs coming to local roadways following Gov. Ivey’s announcement
MONTGOMERY, Ala. – Governor Kay Ivey on Wednesday, April 10, announced that more than $7.9 million in state funding is being awarded to cities and counties for various statewide road and bridge projects, including two crucial projects in Cullman County.
“We applied for that grant probably eight or nine months ago with the help of Senator (Garlan) Gudger and (Reps) Randall Shedd and Corey Harbison. We know it was approved today,” said Cullman County Commission Chairman Jeff Clemons.
Asked if the roads set for resurfacing around the Rock the South venue will be done in time for the event (July 18-20), he replied, “We don’t know that. The roads are ready; we’ve already got the base done and we even had the roads widened. We hope to start on those roads as soon as the weather breaks, hopefully by the first of May.”
The Rebuild Alabama Act, overwhelmingly passed by the Legislature and signed by Ivey in 2019, requires the Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT) to establish an annual program setting aside a minimum of $10 million off the top of the State’s share of new gas tax revenue for local projects.
“I am thrilled to announce the significant allocation of over $7.9 million in state funding to address crucial road and bridge projects across our state, especially as I mark the seven-year milestone since taking office,” said Ivey. “From the onset of my tenure, improving Alabama’s roads has been my commitment, and this investment underscores our dedication to modernizing infrastructure and enhancing transportation networks to support our communities. Through Rebuild Alabama, we are continuing to lay the critical foundation for a more prosperous Alabama.”
The roadways in Cullman County being resurfaced are one near Duck River and the roadways leading to York Farms, better known as the grounds of Rock the South.
The first project is the resurfacing of County Road 1670 from Duck River to Alabama Highway 69, totaling 3.1818 miles. The grant amount is $350,000.
Said Shedd, “I received a request last year from the county commission asking for help getting funding for two county roads in my district, and this was one of them. Working closely with Senator Garlan Gudger we were successful in getting funding from Governor Ivey and Mr. (John) Cooper at ALDOT.”
The second project on the list is a joint venture between the City of Cullman, Cullman County Commission, City of Good Hope, the local legislative delegation and the team at Rock the South. It will be the resurfacing of Leonard Road from County Road 436 to Mize Road North, and County Road 469 from County Roads 436/469 to County Road 222, totaling 2.313 miles. That grant amount is also $350,000.
The second project is the resurfacing of Leonard Road from County Road 436 to Mize Road North, and County Road 469 from County Roads 436/469 to County Road 222, totaling 2.313 miles. That grant amount is also $350,000.
“This is how we get things done if we just work together; it’s all about working together. So we thank our local delegation and our economic development for writing those grants and applying, so it’s everybody working together to make it happen,” said Clemons.
Out of the 67 counties, Cullman was the only county to be selected for two projects.
Gudger stated, “I am thankful that Governor Kay Ivey and ALDOT Director Cooper chose Cullman County’s grants to be included in this round of Rebuild grants. Working as a team, Cullman City Economic Development Agency, Cullman County Economic Development, Cullman County Commission, City of Cullman, (City) of Good Hope, Rock the South owners and the state delegation all took part in partnering together to improve the public safety of the roads around Rock the South, Alabama’ s winner of best tourism event last year. When we work together we can accomplish anything we place our minds to.”
Said Cullman Mayor Woody Jacobs, “We are all happy to be working together on this project. I’m thankful to the delegates and the governor for allocating funds to the projects.”
For more information about the Rebuild Alabama Act Annual Grant Program, visit www.dot.state.al.us/programs/RAAGrantProgram.html.
The list of projects can be viewed at https://governor.alabama.gov/assets/2024/04/FY-2024-RA-1st-Round-Media-Report.pdf.
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