Gov. Bentley announces County Line Road, others to receive major overhauls

Homepage

Related Photos

Gov. Robert Bentley speaks Monday about 34 road and bridge projects that will be funded as part of the Alabama Transportation Rehabilitation and Improvement Program. Bentley made the announcement at the Publix off County Line Road in Madison. The road will receive a $7.1 million improvement that will add a fifth center turning lane, streetlights and sidewalks. News Courier/Rebecca Croomes

Discussion

July 31, 2012

Gov. Bentley announces County Line Road, others to receive major overhauls

By Adam Smith adam@athensnews-courier.com The News Courier Tue Jul 31, 2012, 02:00 AM CDT

— Preliminary steps that will turn County Line Road into a five-lane thoroughfare could begin as early as December.

Gov. Robert Bentley appeared Monday at the Publix supermarket off County Line Road to announce the planned improvements, estimated to cost more than $7.1 million. The project is one of 34 that Bentley announced as part of the first phase of funding for the Alabama Transportation Rehabilitation and Improvement Program, or ATRIP.

Madison Mayor Paul Finley said the project would be let for bid on Dec. 13. He said the improvements would span six miles from U.S. 72 to Madison Boulevard, and include streetlights and sidewalks throughout.

The state doesn’t have a lot of money to pave four-lane highways, Bentley said, but ATRIP allows the state to preserve and repair the roads. He said keeping the roads maintained is an important infrastructure tool that will also help attract new industries.

“That’s our number one goal, putting people to work,” he said, while flanked by a number of state and local leaders.

Other projects to benefit Madison County include:

• A bridge replacement at Flint River and additional lanes on Winchester Road ($8.4 million)

• Improvements to Martin Road, including additional lanes from Zierdt Road to Rideout Road ($12 million)

• A bridge replacement on Wall Triana Highway over Mill Creek ($566,744).

Former Madison County Commissioner Mo Brooks, who now serves as a U.S. Congressman in the fifth district, said he and other commissioners asked Bentley to sign a campaign pledge to help keep Madison County dollars at home for infrastructure projects. At the time, Brooks said, Bentley’s victory didn’t look like a sure thing.

“When (Bentley) makes promises, he keeps them,” Brooks said.

The first phase of Round 1 funding was announced in May. The 34 additional projects are spread out over 17 counties. Throughout Round 1 of ATRIP funding, 61 of Alabama’s 67 counties have received funding for various transportation initiatives. In all, 139 projects have been approved.

ATRIP projects will require a 20 percent funding match provided by either the local government or through a local public-private partnership, with the remaining 80 percent provided by the Grant Anticipation Revenue Vehicles Bond Program, or GARVEE bonds.

“With interest rates on municipal bonds at historic lows, the use of GARVEE bonds makes strong financial sense as the low cost of borrowing is generally lower than the rising cost of inflation on construction projects,” said a release from Bentley’s office. “GARVEE bonds also allow the state to make needed improvements without raising taxes.”

Among the local projects announced in May is a bridge replacement on Mooresville Road over French’s Mill Creek, estimated at $475,000. The county would receive $380,000 in ATRIP funds, while Limestone County would pay a $95,000 match.

The second project is the resurfacing of Lucas Ferry Road and Sanderfer roads from Alabama 99 to U.S. 31. The estimated cost of the project is $972,343.51, though Athens — the local sponsor — is responsible for $194,468.70 of the cost.

Cities and counties submit local project proposals for funding through ATRIP. The applications are then analyzed by ALDOT – the Alabama Department of Transportation. Eligible projects are reviewed by an advisory committee, which, in conjunction with Bentley, makes funding decisions.

“I am proud to work with Gov. Bentley as we improve our roads,” said Lt. Governor Kay Ivey, who serves on the ATRIP Advisory Committee with Rep. Mac McCutcheon and State Sen. Paul Bussman, R-Cullman. “ … I believe this announcement will enhance our ability to strengthen job growth in this great state.”

McCutcheon said he was happy the County Line Road project was announced for his district, but added ATRIP funding would improve roads and bridges across the state. “ALDOT, under the leadership of Gov. Bentley, has taken on an aggressive transportation plan to build and improve Alabama’s infrastructure over the next three years,” he said. “The state of Alabama understands the need to promote transportation projects in order to improve public safety and infrastructure, which is necessary for economic growth and the creation of business and jobs.”