Marla Jones, Managing Editor
WASHINGTON, D.C.-- The Fort Payne Delegation, consisting of Mayor Brian Baine and Fort Payne City Council members Walter Watson, Johnny Eberhart, Lynn Brewer, along with the Fort Payne Chamber of Commerce Director Jennifer McCurdy, visited Washington, D.C. last week. The Delegation met with leaders around the state, regarding issues that are of concern to Fort Payne residents.
The Delegation met with U.S. Senator Richard Shelby, U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville, Congressman Barry Moore, U.S. Representative Robert Aderholt, and executives with Norfolk Southern Railroad.
“The Council and I had some really good meetings in Washington and I feel we made some great contacts while there,” stated Fort Payne Mayor Brian Baine.
“There is lots of Infrastructure money that’s available that can help to do some of the big projects that I would like to see for our area, such as straighten out Joe’s Truckstop and an overpass over the train tracks,” continued Mayor Baine. “We along with ALDOT and GMC have identified a couple of places for an overpass over the train track and hopefully with these monies being available, we can see this come to fruition."
“There is a great chance in receiving infrastructure money to fund projects such as an overpass and Highway 11 upgrades,” stated Fort Payne Council President Walter Watson. “Funding is available each year and we plan to stay in front of them in order to receive that funding.”
Fort Payne traffic has been backed up through the town for several months due to trains blocking the streets.
“After the meetings, we know which dots to make green to make the projects work,” stated Watson. “Along with the combination of the city’s overall comprehensive plan and tying the funding together, we will be able to compete with other cities that are vying for the same funding. We have all the players in line on the federal and state levels.”
