ETOWAH COUNTY–State Senator Andrew Jones announced Thursday that Etowah County will receive a $350,000 Rebuild Alabama Grant to replace a bridge on Whorton Bend Road.

The grant represents the maximum amount awarded through the latest round of the Alabama Department of Transportation’s Annual Grant Program. Etowah County’s project is one of 11 road and bridge projects selected statewide.

“I am excited to announce a $350,000 Rebuild Alabama Grant for a bridge replacement on Whorton Bend Road,” Jones said. “Of the eleven grants awarded statewide, Etowah County is once again included and is receiving the maximum grant amount.”

Jones also recognized the Etowah County Commission and Commissioner Craig Inzer Jr. for their work on the project.

“Congratulations to the Etowah County Commission and Commissioner Craig Inzer, Jr. for your hard work on this project,” Jones said.

The grant will provide state funding for the bridge replacement. The project must move forward within one year of the funding award.

Governor Announces More Than $3.6 Million for Alabama Projects

Governor Kay Ivey announced Thursday that more than $3.6 million in state funding will support 11 road projects across Alabama.

The grants represent the second round of funding awarded this year through ALDOT’s Annual Grant Program. The Rebuild Alabama Act created the program after the Legislature approved the measure and Ivey signed it into law in 2019.

“Strong, safe and reliable infrastructure is one of the reasons our state attracts record-breaking investments and jobs,” Ivey said. “Rebuild Alabama is delivering lasting improvements, ensuring we have the strong transportation network needed to support our growing economy and those who drive our roads and bridges.”

Ivey said the state plans to continue investing in infrastructure projects throughout Alabama.

“We are keeping our foot on the gas and will continue to invest in infrastructure that serves every corner of Alabama,” Ivey said.

Local Governments Contributing Matching Funds

Cities and counties receiving grants in the latest round contributed more than $1.5 million in local matching funds toward the selected projects.

Under the program’s requirements, each project must move forward within one year after officials award the funding. The state expects to announce additional grant funding later this year.

The Rebuild Alabama Act requires ALDOT to reserve at least $10 million annually from the state’s share of gas tax revenue for local transportation projects.

Since lawmakers approved the act, ALDOT’s Annual Grant Program has awarded more than $81.8 million in state funding for local road and bridge projects.

Jones Praises Rebuild Alabama Program

Jones said he was proud to support Ivey’s Rebuild Alabama program. He also credited the program with helping improve transportation infrastructure across the state.

According to Jones, Alabama’s roads now rank fourth in the nation for road quality.

The Whorton Bend Road grant brings a portion of the latest statewide funding directly to Etowah County. The project will focus on replacing a local bridge while supporting the state’s broader effort to improve the safety and reliability of Alabama’s transportation system.