Words by Jenny Lynn Davis | Images by Al Blanton
City leaders, state and local officials, and community members gathered on the morning of November 3 to celebrate the groundbreaking for Cordova’s extensive road improvement project, funded through a $6.4 million federal RAISE Grant.
When completed, the project will repair or repave nearly 90 percent of Cordova’s roads, an achievement local officials say has not occurred since the late 1980s.
“This project changes everything for Cordova. It’s about connecting our neighborhoods, schools, churches, and downtown. It’s about making Cordova stronger, safer, and ready for the future,” said Mayor Jeremy Pate. “Good roads are the foundation of a strong community. This project belongs to our residents, because it’s their investment, their tax dollars at work, and their city moving forward.”
The RAISE (Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity) Grant was awarded after years of coordinated effort between the City of Cordova, the Cordova Economic and Industrial Development Authority (CEIDA), the Federal Highway Administration, and the Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT). Engineering for the project is being handled by Insite Engineering, based in Hoover, Alabama, with Central Alabama Asphalt serving as the contractor for the first phase.
Renee Sides, Executive Director of CEIDA, credited persistence and collaboration for bringing the project to fruition. “After five years of work to address infrastructure issues, we’re now taking the next step toward continued growth,” Sides said. “Economic development isn’t just about opening new businesses; it’s about building a community that residents and visitors can be proud of.”
Among those in attendance at the groundbreaking were United States Congressman Robert Aderholt, Alabama District 5 Senator Matt Woods, Alabama House District 13 Representative Greg Barnes, and Walker County Commission Chairman Steve Miller, all of whom commended the city’s leadership and cooperation across all levels of government.
Aderholt, whose office supported the city’s grant application, praised the teamwork that made the award possible. “This is one of the most competitive grants at the federal level,” he said. “Being awarded it speaks volumes about the leadership and vision of Cordova.”
Miller noted that the improvements will benefit both the city of Cordova and Walker County. “Safe roads are important for schoolchildren, their parents, county workers, and first responders,” he said. “Cordova is and always has been a great place to live, work, and raise a family. It’s evident that this city’ leaders have put those interests at heart.”
Wallace McAdory, ALDOT West Central Regional Engineer, emphasized that projects like this directly impact residents’ safety and quality of life. “Transportation is about people. When we invest in infrastructure, we invest in the future, helping parents get home safely, businesses move goods efficiently, and communities thrive,” he said.
City officials say work will begin soon on the first phase, which includes road repairs, resurfacing, and drainage improvements across the city. WL
