ALDOT stalling projects at Hwy. 43 and 5 in T'ville
By Barry H. Hendrix Contributing Writer

Clarke County Commissioner Elma Averett expressed concern at Monday's work session concerning the lack of an official design for the intersection of Highways 43 and 5 in Thomasville.

The Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT) has plans to four-lane a part of Highway 43 coming into Thomasville. There are also plans to build a Hampton Inn near the site of the intersection, but those development plans have been held up due to indecision on the use of land at the intersection. "We need to see if we can at least get them (ALDOT) to do a drawing of how they intend to arrange that intersection," Averett said. "They are holding up progress….They may end up holding them (Hampton Inn) up so long - they may back up and decide to go somewhere else."

The property owner, Harry Brooks, "has spent a considerable amount of money clearing the ground," said Commissioner Rhondel Rhone. "It is holding up progress."

The commission voted Tuesday to send a letter to the area legislative delegation asking for action.

In other action from the commission meeting, a bid of $164,670 from Ozark Striping Company of Ozark, Ala. was approved for a county road striping project. Ozark was the only bidder, and County Engineer Sam Noble said the price was close to estimates. Approximately $60,000 in federal funds will be available for the project, which will pave various roads in the county.

• Noble also gave the commission a rough estimate of $40,000 to fill part of the gully behind the courthouse for 40 to 50 additional parking spaces. The commissioners will consider the proposal, and Commissioner Rhone will research what funding sources might be available.

• Roy Waite, county Emergency Management Director, reported that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) would no longer provide ice during hurricane relief. FEMA said ice was not essential, Waite said.

• Bids will be sent out for the purchase of a new water storage tank for the Clarke County Jail. The bids are due at 9:15 a.m. on May 12.

• The commission approved paying $376,000 out of county gas tax funds for a part of a $1,406,418.00 loan with Merchants Bank for purchasing equipment for the Road and Bridge Department.

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