County awarded millions for road projects

WINSTON COUNTY - A record amount of funding has poured into Winston County within the past year to resurface much needed roadways, with the latest two projects totaling $3.3 million in federal dollars, boosting not only recreation, but also tourism and economic development.
The two separate roadway resurfacing projects, at a total of $3.3 million, mark  the highest financial allotment for roads within just a year that county officials can remember.
Winston County Road Engineer James Glasgow announced at a January county commission meeting that the county has been awarded $1.5 million in federal funding secured by U.S. Congressman Robert Aderholt.
The $1.5 million will be for resurfacing, shoulder work and restriping of  2.6 miles of County Road 57, from Highway 278 to the Corinth Recreation Area, and 1.6 miles of County Road 61, from County Road 63 to the Houston Recreation Area.
Winston County has also received notice of an additional $1.8 million in funding, which will be used to resurface County Road 63, from Highway 278 to County Road 41, Glasgow added.
The federal funding will be 80 percent of the project costs, and will require a 20 percent match of $360,000, which the county can take from either Rebuild Alabama or Federal Aid Exchange funds, Glasgow stated.
“I am glad all of our state and federal representatives are working good with Winston County to bring money back home and make it eligible that we can fix some of these roads,” Winston Commission Chairman David Cummings pointed out.
“We are working hard to come up with the numbers and to meet the criteria to be able to get these fundings, making trips to Montgomery and making trips to Washington to make it happen,” Cummings added.
“The amount of money that was poured into Winston County in the last year is just an example of the hard work and dedication the engineering office has put forth to try to make Winston County safer,” added District 1 County Commissioner Rutger Hyche.
“None of this would be remotely possible without our elected representatives from the federal and state level,” Hyche pointed out.
“They have been a significant help throughout all these processes,” Hyche said. “It’s mind-blowing.”
Aderholt stated the $1.5 million he secured was part of the Fiscal Year 2026 appropriations bills passed by the U.S. House of Representatives.
“These improvements will enhance safety, improve accessibility and support tourism and outdoor recreation that are vital to the local economy,” Aderholt noted.
“Reliable roads are essential for rural communities, whether for residents going about their daily lives or visitors traveling to enjoy our natural resources,” Aderholt pointed out. 
“This funding will make long-needed improvements to county roads 57 and 61, improving safety and access while supporting recreation and economic activity in Winston County,” the congressman continued.
Alabama Senate Pro Tem Garlan Gudger stated it was a pleasure to work with Aderholt in securing the funding.
“Getting outside funding for local projects is very important,” Gudger stated.  “Representative (Tim) Wadsworth and I will continue to work hard to bring state dollars to Winston County, as well.”
Wadsworth added, “These grants were secured through federal (dollars).  They are beneficial because it paves the road all the way from Arley to Houston and it also goes from Chef Troy’s (restaurant) on (County Road) 63 all the way to the Houston Recreational facility.
“We appreciate all the parties involved in helping these roads get paved.  Getting these federal dollars is important,” Wadsworth continued, “because we don’t have to use the Rebuild Alabama money on that.”
Andy Scott, district ranger of the Bankhead National Forest, noted, “Corinth Campground and Houston Recreation Area are two of the most visited recreation areas within the National Forests of Alabama, known for fishing, boating, picnic areas and RV camping at Corinth.
“This project will ensure safe, smooth roads for all visitors, thereby supporting tourism and the local economy,” Scott added.
Hyche commended Aderholt for his leadership and “unwavering support in securing federal funding to improve county roads.
“His commitment to rural infrastructure and to the people of Winston County was instrumental in making these long-needed improvements possible,” Hyche stated.
“These projects will make a meaningful difference for the families who live along these roads and for the many visitors who travel them to access National Forest Service recreation areas,” Hyche continued.
Hyche also thanked Aderholt’s staff for their response and hands-on assistance, as well as the Winston County Road Department for their “professionalism and hard work in bringing these projects to fruition,” he added.
“This effort is a great example of what can be accomplished through strong cooperation at the local and federal levels.
“These roads affect a lot of constituents, as well as the recreational area usage,” Hyche continued. “..If we’re able to go in and resurface these roads and repair this infrastructure, that allows us to spend more time on other problem areas in the county, so it’s helping everybody.”
“To get money to be able to resurface that, with us only having to pay a 20 percent match on two of them is huge,” added Glasgow.