County looking at state funds for road repairs

The Franklin County Commission took steps Monday that they hope will help in getting much needed funding for county road projects.
The commission unanimously voted to pursue funds for a couple of road projects as part of the Alabama Transportation Rehabilitation and Improvement Program.
The ATRIP plan will make $200-$300 million available each year throughout the state over the next five years. The money will be competitive and open to all municipalities and counties.
“Franklin County needs to be able to compete for this money,” county engineer David Palmer said. “We all need to put our heads together and try to come up with a reasonable solution.”
Palmer said the matching funds could be heavy, but he hoped to offset some costs with in-kind money meaning that the county’s portion would be paid by providing work on the projects.
“This is the biggest program the state has ever had and I really don’t know how it will be matched, but it’s vitally important that we compete for the money.”
The first applications are due March 30 and state officials have warned that these projects need to be “compelling.”
Palmer said that he would seek funds to add guardrails on several portions of College Road in Phil Campbell, which is a road heavily used by students travelling to and from Northwest-Shoals Community College.
“There are thousands, literally, thousands of students who use that road every day,” Palmer said. “It’s a dangerous road and a bad road, and I don’t think we have any more of a compelling argument than when we’re talking about the safety of students.”
An application will also be submitted for work on Franklin 16.