Governor Kay Ivey on Monday announced that the Alabama Department of Transportation is purchasing the right of way for the expansion of McFarland Boulevard (US 82) in Tuscaloosa from State Route 69 to Rice Mine Road, as part of the Rebuild Alabama First Year Plan 2020.

“Enhancing this particular section of US 82 will provide safer and more efficient travel on one of Alabama’s busiest four-lane roads,” Governor Ivey said. “Tuscaloosa is a city known for how it has rebuilt itself, and with these necessary infrastructure projects, we will see this area thrive even more. Tuscaloosa and the surrounding areas will certainly have a better future for it.”

Each day, more than 50,000 trips are made on the main east/west corridor through this growing city. Expanding McFarland Boulevard is another step in the cooperative effort between the Tuscaloosa County Road Improvement Commission and ALDOT to meet the transportation needs of one of Alabama’s major cities. This is a two-phase project. Following the acquisition in the first year, construction will begin in the second year.

“I would like to thank Governor Ivey for her leadership to help our state improve its public safety, offer a better quality of life for our citizens and provide opportunities for future prosperity. This infrastructure investment will have a positive impact for not only ourselves, but also our children and grandchildren,” Rep. Bill Poole said. “Tuscaloosa and the surroundings areas will benefit greatly from this project on Highway 82.”

Governor Ivey signed into law the Rebuild Alabama Act March 12, after it received overwhelming bipartisan support in the Alabama Legislature. The bill gradually increases Alabama’s fuel tax over the next three years.

“Governor Ivey’s Rebuild Alabama Act passed with bipartisan support because job creation requires roads and bridges with the capacity to connect the present to the future,” Tuscaloosa Mayor Walt Maddox said. “Tuscaloosa appreciates the governor’s leadership in securing this critical investment in the First Year Plan, and we look forward to working with her in strengthening our city.”

Beginning in January, state, county, and municipal governments in Alabama will begin to see additional revenue from the fuel tax increase of six-cents which begins in September. In fact, once the 10-cent increase is fully implemented in 2021, Tuscaloosa County will receive an additional $2.28 million dollars, on top of what they already receive, to be used for various transportation infrastructure projects.