Governor Bentley Announces Additional Projects as Part of Ongoing ATRIP Initiative
By: Stephen Crews
Updated: July 30, 2012
Governor
Robert Bentley on Monday announced 34 additional, supplemental road and
bridge projects that are now able to move forward as
part of Round 1 of funding for ATRIP - the Alabama Transportation
Rehabilitation and Improvement Program.
"With
these additional projects, we are moving closer to our goal of
improving the safety of roads and bridges throughout Alabama," Governor
Bentley
said. "Many of our bridges are in desperate need of repair or
replacement. Many of our roads are outdated and cannot handle current
demand. Through ATRIP, we are able to make needed improvements to
enhance public safety and quality of life in our communities."
The
first phase of Round 1 funding was announced in May. The additional
projects announced by Governor Bentley Monday include 30 bridge
rehabilitation
or replacement projects. Additional road widening, resurfacing, and
intersection improvement projects are also included.
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. Also, all eligible bridge project applications received in
Round 1 have now been approved.
"As
ATRIP projects move forward, they will also serve as valuable economic
development tools for the state," Governor Bentley added. "When a
company
decides where to build a new facility and create jobs, that company
looks for areas with modern, safe roads and bridges. So as we improve
roads and bridges, we are improving public safety while also making
Alabama more attractive to companies that want to
move here and create jobs."
Funding
for ATRIP comes through the use of GARVEE bonds. With GARVEE bonds,
Alabama is able to access future federal dollars now in order to pay
for road and bridge projects that are needed immediately.
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.
GARVEE bonds also allow the state to make needed improvements without
raising taxes.
Cities
and counties across the state submit local project proposals for
funding through ATRIP. The applications are analyzed by ALDOT - the
Alabama
Department of Transportation. Eligible projects are reviewed by an
advisory committee, which, in conjunction with Governor Bentley, makes
project funding decisions.
"I
am proud to work with Governor Bentley as we improve our roads," said
Lieutenant Governor Kay Ivey. "As a member of the ATRIP Advisory
Committee
and as chair of the Jobs Creation and Military Stability Commission, I
believe this announcement will enhance our ability to strengthen job
growth in this great state."
At
least two additional rounds of ATRIP funding will take place. Projects
not selected in Round 1 are eligible for submission in upcoming rounds
of ATRIP funding.
"ALDOT,
under the leadership of Governor Bentley, has taken on an aggressive
transportation plan to build and improve Alabama's infrastructure over
the next three years," said Representative Mac McCutcheon, who also
serves on the ATRIP Advisory Committee. "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."
"The
Governor and the Legislature are focused on job recruitment, retention,
and renewal. One of the key components of that is quality
infrastructure,"
added State Senator Paul Bussman, also of the ATRIP Advisory Committee.
"Improving our roads and bridges will help get products to markets and
to industries. Having a quality infrastructure in the state is
instrumental in job creation."
ATRIP
road and bridge projects 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 GARVEE bonds.
You can view the latest roads added to the project by clicking on the pdf attachment below.
You can view the latest roads added to the project by clicking on the pdf attachment below.
