If you’re a resident of Oakman, there’s good news for you. The town was recently awarded a $180,000 grant to be used for road improvement projects.

The grant is part of $4.93 million in state funding awarded to Alabama cities and counties for various road and bridge projects. The funds are made possible through the Annual Grant Program, created under the Rebuild Alabama Act signed by Governor Kay Ivey in 2019. The program requires all projects to begin within a year after funds are awarded.

“More and more Alabamians are seeing road projects in their communities,” said Governor Kay Ivey. “As we near the second anniversary of the passage of the Rebuild Alabama Act, we are showing the people of our state that we are true to our word, and money is being spent wisely.”

The Annual Grant Program has awarded projects for two consecutive years. In its first year, 2020, the program awarded $10.2 million for local projects.

Oakman, known as Day’s Gap until the name was changed in 1865, had a population of 789 at the time of the 2010 census. The town was among 21 projects chosen to receive state grants. Seventeen of those 21 cities and counties contributed $2.08 million in matching funds.

 “I am pleased to see that the town of Oakman has been awarded a $180,000 Rebuild Alabama grant to resurface a portion of Market Street through Oakman,” said District 14 State Representative Tim Wadsworth. “Your tax dollars are being returned to Walker County to help our rural towns. The $180,000 grant comes with no local match by the town of Oakman. There were only 21 grants awarded statewide. Our Walker County Commission, Senator Reed, and all involved should be commended for working hard to bring back your tax dollars.”

Senator Greg Reed (R-Jasper) was also pleased with the governor’s announcement. “This is a competitive grant program and I am happy to see Oakman on the receiving end of this grant, which is provided by the Rebuild Alabama Act I supported in the Senate,” Sen. Reed said.
“Improving roads and transportation infrastructure is a top priority of mine, and this grant supports that mission by making these important improvements to Market Street. I was also pleased to learn that this grant requires no matching funds from the city or county.”

Reed also expressed his gratitude to Governor Ivey for including the Walker County community in the grant project. “I look forward to continuing to work with (Governor Ivey) to bring critical support to our area, so we can make Walker County a better place to live and work,” he said. 78

Image by Terrell Manasco