Baldwin County Awarded $5-Million Road Grant

Alabama Industrial Access Road and Bridge Corp. has awarded $5 million to Baldwin County to assist with road improvements related to the Novelis Inc., Gulf Coast Media reported. The grant will allow for improvements to be made to Highway 287 leading to the under-construction facility, including resurfacing, widening and drainage enhancements, and will help fund the construction of an onsite industrial access road to accommodate the expected traffic flow increase. Baldwin County Commissioner James E. Ball said he was proud of the county’s efforts to procure the grant, which makes up 45% of the total grant funds awarded this fiscal year by the Alabama Industrial Access and Road and Bridge Corp. The selections are chosen based on the economic viability of projects regarding new or expanding industries committed to new investment and the creation of jobs. Novelis’ $2.5-billion plant, expected to be complete in 2025, is to create approximately $6.5 billion in total economic output and 900 indirect jobs, in addition to the 1,000 direct jobs at the 3,000-acre former South Alabama Megasite in Bay Minette.