U.S. Sen. Richard Shelby announced Friday that the U.S. Department of Transportation has awarded a grant totaling $14,000,000 in funding for highway infrastructure improvements in the city of Cullman. The grant is made available as part of the DOT Better Utilizing Investment to Leverage Development (BUILD) Grant program, which focuses on economic development and infrastructure upgrades.
“This BUILD grant awarded to the city of Cullman will allow for critical highway infrastructure improvements in the region,” Shelby said. “As Cullman continues to experience significant commercial, industrial, and residential growth, it is important that we find ways to support this rapid development. I look forward to continuing to work with my colleagues and DOT in paving the way for economic success by rebuilding our local infrastructure.”
The $14 million grant will be used to help widen Alabama State Highway 157. According to the city, traffic on Highway 157 has increased to over 15,000 vehicles per day, creating hazardous driving conditions and lengthy delays for numerous businesses and individuals. This project will to help address existing transportation issues and provide infrastructure enhancements that will benefit the city and surrounding areas.
“The widening of Alabama Highway 157 is one of the most critical transportation projects needed in our community. I am delighted the City of Cullman has been awarded this grant that will make the construction a reality,” said Cullman Mayor Woody Jacobs. “Our team at the City of Cullman did a remarkable job preparing this grant. The City of Cullman, Cullman County and the surrounding area will benefit greatly from this project. I would like to thank Senator Shelby and his staff for their assistance with this grant process. Without their support, this project would not be possible.”
The state Legislature is considering legislation to increase fuel taxes in order to get the state more funds to put up as matching funds to draw down more federal transportation dollars.
Shelby is the Chairman of the powerful Senate Appropriations Committee. Shelby was first elected to the Senate in 1986.
