Story By Anna Kate

The City of Fort Payne has invested 70 million into infrastructure, public safety, and quality of life in the past five years, Mayor Brian Baine said during his mayor’s report at Tuesday’s council meeting. 

“Looking back to 2020, we all had a bold vision for Fort Payne’s future – and we still do,” Baine said. 

The city first invested $20 million into upgrading sewer and wastewater systems after discovering the overdue maintenance needs. Baine said it was a top priority because it impacts every household, school, and business in the community.

Following that first investment, $20 million went into the construction of Little Ridge Intermediate School, $11 million to renovating the city’s sports complex, $5 million to a new police department, and $2 million into replacing the police and fire vehicles. 

Additionally, $2 million has gone into creating competitive benefits to recruit and retain city employees, $1.5 million to get new sanitation trucks, $1.2 million to upgrade telecommunication for first responders, and $1 million for a new ladder truck and pumper to maintain fire and insurance ratings. 

Lastly, $1.5 million was invested in several community projects, including new traffic signals, more school 

walk enhancement, and new basketball and tennis courts. 

Several changes are currently underway that align with the city’s comprehensive plan, a roadmap developed with resident input to guide the city’s next 10 to 15 years of progress.

These changes are repaving Highway 11, installing a truck arrester bed on Highway 35, putting a Marshall’s store into the DeKalb Plaza shopping center , and redesigning the intersection of Alabama Highway 35, Jordan Road, and Airport Road. 

“The council and I take seriously our duty to manage taxpayer dollars wisely.

“We’ve made lasting improvements while preserving a healthy reserve to stay prepared for whatever comes next,” Baine said.

“Our goal is to invest in what matters most.”