July 06, 2009

State Highway and Transit Projects Receiving Stimulus Funds

MONTGOMERY – Currently, Alabama has 216 highway and bridge, 83 transit and 10 aviation projects being funded from the federal stimulus with more to be added in the future, Governor Bob Riley said Monday.

Alabama is receiving a total of $513.7 million for highway infrastructure projects, $46.4 million for transit projects and $12.2 million for airport projects from the stimulus. To date, 48 contracts totaling $131 million have been let to contract for highway and bridge projects receiving stimulus funding. By March 2010, state and federal officials will have obligated the remainder of the over $572 million stimulus allocation.

“Stimulus projects will be awarded in every county of Alabama to improve travel and help economic development," said Governor Riley. “In addition, by using stimulus dollars on these improvements, it frees up non-stimulus funding and allows us to redirect these existing dollars for work on other planned highway projects throughout our state.”

“These funds are helping us make Alabama better and to fulfill our promise to provide a safe, efficient transportation system,” said Transportation Director Joe McInnes. “We’re combining our share of stimulus funds with our regular transportation funding to address our most pressing resurfacing needs and to close gaps in new construction. And we’re committed to being good stewards and using our entire funds down to the last cent.”

According to a 2007 analysis by the Federal Highway Administration, every $1 billion invested in highway construction supports approximately 27,800 jobs. Using that analysis, it is estimated Alabama’s portion of transportation stimulus dollars will support approximately 15,000 jobs.

For a list of all highway, transit and aviation projects being funded by the stimulus in Alabama, visit the Alabama Department of Transportation web site at www.dot.state.al.us.