Images by Jennifer Cohron

Much-needed project will provide the necessary lighting resources to give I-22 travelers the sense of security needed to increase traffic to the exit, which will contribute jobs and tax revenue to the Carbon Hill community

Contract is a result of collaboration between the state of Alabama, Sen. Greg Reed (R-Jasper), Rep. Tim Wadsworth (R-Arley), Carbon Hill Mayor April Herron and other local Carbon Hill leaders

Carbon Hill, Ala – The Carbon Hill City Council today approved a contract to construct much-needed interstate lighting near Exit 46. The truck stop located at this exit is the number one tax-generating business in Carbon Hill, and these interstate lights will give travelers on I-22 the sense of security needed to increase traffic to this facility and allow the business to hire new employees and continue contributing to the Carbon Hill community.

“This is big news for Carbon Hill and it simply would not have happened without the support and hard work of the Governor’s office and her administration, as well as all of the local officials here in the Carbon Hill community who saw the need for this project and got it done,” said Sen. Greg Reed. “I was privileged to be involved in securing the funding needed to bring this project to Carbon Hill and I look forward to seeing the growth it will contribute to the community.”

“Construction on interstate lights can finally begin since complete funding is in place. Carbon Hill leaders current and past have worked together as a team to achieve a goal that was started a few years ago. Senator Reed and I have always had a great working relationship and working with the fine folks from Carbon Hill has been a pleasure, said Rep. Tim Wadsworth. “The interstate lights will be a milestone that will provide growth and economic development for Carbon Hill’s future.  My goal is to continue to fight for growth in rural Walker County.”

 “I want to thank Representative Wadsworth, Senator Reed, Terry Acuff, and everyone involved for all the work and time spent to finally get this project going,” said Mayor April Herron. “It is my hope that this will bring economic growth to Carbon Hill. Our town is a great location for many business opportunities, and I believe this is the first step in the right direction.”

“This project is the direct result of hard work from legislators, local governments and several state agencies. The partnership between state and local leaders shows that working together for the citizens of our great state yields the best results for all Alabamians,” said Governor Kay Ivey. “I look forward to seeing all the benefits this project will provide to Carbon Hill and surrounding areas in the future.”

The signing of this $523,534 contract is the result of collaboration between the office of Governor Kay Ivey, Senator Greg Reed (R-Jasper), Representative Tim Wadsworth (R-Arley), Carbon Hill Mayor April Herron and her city council, grant writer, water board and industrial board, as well as the Alabama Department of Transportation (ADOT), Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs (ADECA) and the Cawaco Research, Conservation & Development (RC&D) Council.

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