Public encouraged to attend open forum Feb. 1 with state leaders to discuss transportation and infrastructure needs

RELEASE 16-002

What: The Decatur-Morgan County Chamber of Commerce will host an open forum to receive public input and questions focused on the transportation and infrastructure needs in our State. Nearly 50 percent of Alabama’s highways are in fair, poor or very poor conditions, and job  growth and quality of life are directly tied to the fitness of roads and bridges.

According to an August 2014 TRIP study of Alabama’s needs, the efficiency of Alabama’s highways and bridges is critical to a healthy state economy that depends on ease of access for customers, markets, material and workers. Driving on roads in need of repair costs Alabama motorists an average of $320 each year in maintenance, and one-third of all fatal car crashes in Alabama are the result of roadway conditions.

Other meetings were held in Montevallo, Northport, Mobile and Dothan.

Who: Members of Alabama’s Joint Legislative Transportation Committee, Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT) Director John Cooper and the Alliance for Alabama’s Infrastructure (AAI) will field questions and input from the public.

AAI is a grassroots advocacy coalition that promotes financially-responsible investment in Alabama's roads and infrastructure. The Alliance monitors the needs of Alabama's transportation network, communicates those needs to the public and identifies opportunities to make immediate, critical improvements. By repairing and maintaining existing roads and committing to new priority projects, the Alliance aims to protect Alabama's citizens, generate economic growth and improve quality of life.

When: Monday, Feb 1, 10 a.m. – noon.

Where: Aerospace Training Facility Lecture Hall on the Decatur Campus of Calhoun Community College

For Media: Please contact Grant Thompson to RSVP for the event.