Chambers County Commission approves FY 2027 infrastructure plans, Rebuild Alabama funding

BY SAM VISE, THE LAFAYETTE SUN

CHAMBERS COUNTY — Road and bridge infrastructure took center stage at Monday night’s Chambers County Commission meeting, where commissioners unanimously approved two significant transportation initiatives aimed at improving county roadways over the coming fiscal year.

County Engineer Josh Harvill presented the FY 2027 proposed road and bridge project list, which outlines improvements for six bridges and 34.2 miles of county roads. The project list is part of the county’s broader five-year transportation plan recently adopted by the commission.

“This is kind of similar to what I would say you do when you stain a wooden deck ... preserving that pavement before we start having potholes,” Harvill said.

Additionally, the commission voted to approve the FY 2027 Rebuild Alabama Plan. Powered by an estimated $1.731 million in total Rebuild Alabama funds, the plan targets 19 total infrastructure projects spread across the county.

In an amended addition to new business, the commission also approved the purchase of a used 2022 DT74C Superior Broom with 725 hours for $49,500 through the Sourcewell Cooperative Purchasing Contract to assist with ongoing road maintenance.

In other business:

The meeting opened with a special presentation honoring courthouse security officer Elizabeth “Beth” Shaver, who was awarded a certificate of appreciation for five years of dedicated service to Chambers County.

Harvill gave a progress report on several active summer pavement projects across the county, including completed work on County Road 32, County Road 94 and a section of County Road 158. Motorists were advised to drive cautiously in areas with loose rock while pavement cures.

Minutes and warrants payable from the July 27 meeting were approved as presented, as was the agenda for the Aug. 3 meeting with Harvill’s added equipment purchase resolution.

Announcements

A Roads, Ways and Means Committee meeting is scheduled for Aug. 24 at 1 p.m. CT.

The next regular Commission Meeting will take place on Monday, Aug. 24, at 4 p.m. CT in the small courtroom.

The Chambers County Courthouse will be closed on Monday, Sept. 7, in observance of Labor Day.