Stimulus money paving streets

By By Clif Knight, Hartselle Enquirer
Hartselle is reaping the benefits of President Barack Obama’s federal economic stimulus package to the tune of $775,600.
That’s what it will cost to mill, resurface and re-stripe 2.2 miles of Highway 36, from Highway 31 to I-65, a project that got under way in the central business district last week.
Under state contract to Reed Contracting Services of Huntsville, the highway upgrade includes the application of a special asphalt mix on Main Street from Highway 31 to the CSX Railroad. It is designed to prevent the surface from rippling at traffic lights.
Mayor Dwight Tankersley and the city council applied for the stimulus grant through the State Department of Transportation last March and had the assistance of State Senator Arthur Orr in getting it approved. The work is scheduled for completion within 30 working days.
Not included in the project is the milling and resurfacing of the Main Street between the cutouts on Railroad to Hickory, according to Jeff Johnson, director of the Department of Development. However, he said ALDOT has agreed to apply a seal coat and stripe the areas for parking.
Another federal stimulus project approved and awaiting plan preparation is the milling, resurfacing and re-striping of Sparkman Street from Highway 31, North, to Highway 31, South, Johnson said. The project consists of 2.2 miles of roadway and the estimated cost is $263,551. The work is expected to be done next spring.