Report Highlights Alabama’s Poor Roads as Officials Consider the ‘T Word’
The state’s roads are in bad shape. Those potholes and accidents cost the average driver in the Birmingham area about $1,800 a year, according to a new report from a Washington, D.C.-based transportation group.
The report comes as state lawmakers prepare to convene next week in Montgomery for the start of the legislative session. Gov. Kay Ivey is expected to make an announcement Tuesday on a plan to improve state infrastructure. She supports a gas tax increase for roads and bridges.
More than 40 percent of Birmingham’s major roads and highways are in poor or mediocre condition according to TRIP, a national transportation nonprofit research group.
Some state officials say area roads could get much-needed repairs or be replaced with money from a proposed gas tax increase.
Rocky Moretti, an analyst with TRIP, says Alabama’s vehicle fatality rate is higher than the national average, and the deteriorating roads are a problem.
“If the state had the ability to go ahead and fund a variety of safety improvements, those numbers would come down,” Moretti says.
Building support for a tax increase in a Republican-controlled legislature can be a hurdle. Longtime state Sen. Jabo Waggoner, a Republican, supports the increase.
“It is the ‘T’ word, and you don’t find Republicans every day that are going to vote for a tax,” he says. “But listen, I’ve heard all the facts and figures and this is something I support.”
Waggoner says the American Society of Civil Engineers recently gave Alabama roads a D-plus.
“You know, that’s close to failing. We have school buses going over these bridges every day,” he says.
The state’s poor infrastructure also stands in the way of recruiting new business, Waggoner says. He predicts the gas tax will pass.
But the state GOP executive committee this past weekend said it will not support a tax increase without tax cuts in other areas.
The legislative session starts March 5.
Breaking down Alabama’s CHOOSE Act
It’s been a year since Alabama legislators passed the CHOOSE Act allowing families to apply for state funds to use towards homeschool expenses and tuition for participating private schools. The Alabama Daily News’ education reporter Trisha Powell Crain has been diving into how the funds are being used. WBHM’s Andrew Gelderman sat down with her to talk about what we’re seeing so far.
Huntsville is growing fast. Here’s how it’s stayed affordable
Home prices are rising in Huntsville, but so far, the city’s avoided the skyrocketing costs in other boom towns.
What are your unique holiday traditions? NPR wants to know
The holiday season is full of traditions and we all celebrate them a bit differently. NPR wants to your most unique holiday traditions. What makes celebrating this time of year feel special for you?
What are your unique holiday traditions? NPR wants to know
The holiday season is full of traditions and we all celebrate them a bit differently. NPR wants to your most unique holiday traditions. What makes celebrating this time of year feel special for you?
3 culinary tricks that might get you to eat more veggies, according to chef Roy Choi
Chef Roy Choi, known for his Korean-Mexican fusion food trucks, focuses on veggie-forward dishes in a new cookbook. He shares techniques to get you excited about your greens, plus 3 flavorful sauces.
3 culinary tricks that might get you to eat more veggies, according to chef Roy Choi
Chef Roy Choi, known for his Korean-Mexican fusion food trucks, focuses on veggie-forward dishes in a new cookbook. He shares techniques to get you excited about your greens, plus 3 flavorful sauces.
