MADISON, Alabama-- The Madison City Council voted to approved four of five proposed road projects at its meeting Monday night, tabling the most expensive one -- County Line Road -- until Wednesday night during a special called session.
The five projects would be part of the Alabama Transportation Rehabilitation and Improvement Program (ATRIP) which would provide federal funds for road projects to state municipalities and counties for an 80/20 match. The federal money would provide 80 percent of the cost, not counting engineering, design and land acquisition which would be the responsibility of the city or county receiving the money, plus the 20 percent match.
While the four approved projects have estimated costs amounting to a total of around $500,000, the final estimate for the County Line Road project has not been determined. However, it is expected to be in the neighborhood of $10 million, making the city responsible for $2 million.
Some council members were hesitant to approve something before having more definitive details about the project.
"It just makes me nervous to approve something that we don't know the final cost," said Council President Ronica Ondocsin.
The City Council will meet in a special session to discuss the County Line Road project at 8 p.m., Wednesday to following the monthly finance meeting at 6 at the Madison Municipal Complex, 100 Hughes Road.
City engineer Gary Chynoweth expects to have a final estimated cost for the County Line Road project by Wednesday. First Commercial Bank promised to have a letter of intent for the council, providing details of borrowing the money, which would amount to $2.5 million.
The deadline to submit an application for the projects is Friday.
Chynoweth said the County Line Road project would include right turn lanes and have multi-use paths for bicyclists and pedestrians.
"We want to separate people from the traffic north and south on both sides (of County Line Road)," said Chynoweth. "In the future, this is going to be a huge road with the Interstate corridor and the new school (James Clemens High) coming."
Chynoweth said the funds are "the best thing since sliced bread."
Just a month ago, he had to table some of the same CIP projects planned this year because of a lack of funds.
"The good thing about this is that we get to choose for Madison what's important for us," he said. For more information on the projects, visit www.madisonal.gov.
In other items, the council heard an update from developer Stan McCall Sr., of MEDS (Management, Enterprise Development & Services) on the remodeled and renamed Paradise Apartments, now Spencer Trace. Three units are already occupied and 17 other applicants are waiting approval.
McCall told the council the apartments had been completely renovated from "roofs to floors." Also, he said they were able to lower the proposed rent from $690 for a two bedroom apartment to $579 and from $895 for a three bedroom to $699.