MONTGOMERY — Gov. Kay Ivey has announced a $500,000 grant to boost commerce in the city of Winfield while enhancing traffic safety.
Funds from the Appalachian Regional Commission will be used to upgrade part of Alabama Highway 129 to make way for a new fueling station complex that will provide 64 jobs. The development will be located adjacent to the intersection of Interstate 22 and Alabama Highway 129 and within the Winfield city limits.
“Since its opening less than a decade ago, Interstate 22 has been a powerful driver for new business and economic growth in the cities and towns along its route,” Gov. Ivey said. “I am pleased to support these improvements, and I look forward to even more development and jobs for northwest Alabamians.”
With a Pilot Travel Center to be built on the northeast side of the interstate, ARC funds will help install a middle turning lane and a right turn on Alabama Highway 129 to ensure motorists can safely enter and exit the business. In addition, a turn lane will also be built to accommodate traffic from large commercial trucks going into a parking area.
The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs is administering the grant.
“The Appalachian Regional Commission has been with Alabama every step of the way in the construction of Interstate 22 and now they are continuing that commitment by helping to development along this very important road system,” ADECA Director Kenneth Boswell said. “Gov. Ivey and ADECA realize the importance of ARC as a valued partner to Alabama and its future.”
ARC is an economic development agency of the federal government and 13 state governments. The agency’s mission is to innovate, partner, and invest to build community capacity and strengthen economic growth in Appalachia to help the region achieve socioeconomic parity with the nation. Thirty-seven Alabama counties, including Marion County, are part of the ARC region and eligible for funds.
ADECA manages a range of programs that support law enforcement, economic development, recreation, energy conservation and water resource management.
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Media Contact
Jim Plott or Mike Presley
ADECA Communications and External Affairs
(334) 242-5525
