Bear Creek to resurface 12 roads

BEAR CREEK - The Town of Bear Creek is investing in a $682,000 project that will resurface at least 12 roads, some of which have deteriorated to the point they are turning back to dirt.
After numerous attempts over the past six years to obtain funding to resurface the seriously deteriorating roads, the town has finally been notified of a $250,000 Rebuild Alabama grant that will give a new look to six of the roads, town officials said.
The $250,000 Rebuild Alabama grant requires a $140,000 town match.  Town officials are desperately needing to have as many deteriorating roads resurfaced as possible, so the town will be providing $432,000 of its own funds, including $155,000 from the Alabama Transportation Account and $277,000 from the general fund, explained Bear Creek Town Clerk Amanda Edwards.
The six roads that will be resurfaced with grant funding are Amanda Avenue, Frederick Street, Hulsey Road, Austin Drive, Cofield Drive and Green Meadows Circle, explained Bear Creek Mayor Rob Taylor.
The roads that will be resurfaced with town funds include Goddard Avenue, the east portion of Goddard Road, Baker Avenue, Bowen Street and Phillips Road, which is one of the roads that is in such bad condition, it is reverting back to dirt, Taylor pointed out.
“There are plenty more we will have to address, but these are the absolute worst,” Taylor  emphasized.   “It is deteriorating back to the base.
“Once it gets this bad, you have to build up a new base. These are the very worst ones that we are worrying about absolutely losing, so we’re going to take care of them right off,” Taylor explained.
“Once we get the finances where we need them to be, we will pick another, four, six streets and start there.”
Taylor advised the town would continue seeking additional funding that would be used in the future on other roads in bad condition.
“Whatever we need to apply for, we want to apply, to try to upgrade the city streets.
We’re going to apply for grants and, if we get those grants, we will move forward on that as it goes.
“I wish it hadn’t taken so long, but we have applied every year, and it has just now gotten to where it’s our turn,” Taylor continued.
“We had folks pulling for us,” Taylor said, thanking officials from the federal and state level, who have assisted in getting funding for the town’s roads.
“I can’t say enough about our lawmakers,” said Taylor. “They have helped a lot. I know it took a long time, but I never got a no from any of them when I called and asked for help. It was always there.”
“I am so grateful for the town of Bear Creek to receive these funds,” stated State Representative District 17 Tracy Estes.  “This has been a long time coming.  Municipal officials are to be praised for their perseverance in this work.
“These funds will make noticeable improvements in the community, which have been needed for some time,” Estes continued. “The people of this community certainly need and deserve these improvements.
“I am honored to have been part of the team in this  process,” said Estes.  “Allow me to extend my gratitude to each member of our team for their respective assistance in this process.”
State Senate Pro-Team Garlan Gudger is very pleased Bear Creek’s roads will soon be in better shape, thanks to the grant and the investment the town is making.
“I congratulate Mayor Taylor, the Bear Creek Council and the community.  This is another good example of everyone working together,”  Gudger said.

Town officials comment on roads, funding

Town officials stressed the condition of roads has been an issue for some time.
“We need more money,” stressed Town Council Member Tom Misner. “There are a whole lot more roads that need work.  We’re proud to get what we have got, but we need more.”
“A lot of the roads are in poor condition. I hope we can address more of them, as time comes,” stated Town Council Member Chris Warren.  “There are areas where it is hard to pass two vehicles. It’s something we need to look into, to try to get more money. I drive on them just like everybody else.  I hope other people see that we’re trying to make a difference,” Warren added.
Fire Chief Adam Loden stressed the condition of the roads can often make travel difficult for a fire truck responding to a scene.
“Potholes are the biggest thing,” said Loden. “There are a few of them that are washing away. It makes it rough traveling when you are trying to get somewhere in a hurry. It slows you down.  It puts more wear and tear on (the vehicle) suspension.”
Town Council Member Barry McCarley stated Baker Avenue was a rough road to drive on.
“You may have a bad back, a bad neck and all of that,” McCarley said. “If there’s any worse (roads) in the state, I’d like to see them. They are bad.
“I want to thank Tracy Estes and (State Senate Pro-Tem) Garlan Gudger. I want to thank our mayor, the previous council and these guys that have worked hard.”