Washington

Road infrastructure issues have been examined in the Cullman community, and major projects have been identified that need immediate attention. These roads enable trade, power businesses, connect workers to their jobs and create opportunities for area communities. Infrastructure is the backbone of a healthy economy. Support for road infrastructure projects are needed to improve safety and relieve congestion on heavily traveled roads. Three major infrastructure projects were listed among others for discussion:  US Highway 278 Bridge Replacement at St Bernard Drive and US 278 East; additional passing lane for Ala State Highway 69 from Cullman to Marshall County; Bridge replacement of I-65 at Exit 304.

Cullman, Alabama is one of the top micro-politans in the United States, ranked fifth for economic development growth. With stable industry growth, there is a need for additional talent. A top priority for the Cullman area is the attraction of new residents, as well as the retention of existing residents. The main barrier to this goal is the lack of affordable housing for all income levels. The available housing inventory is limited, which ultimately affects the value of single family and multi-family housing units. An additional issue regarding area housing is the age of the existing inventory. These issues combined have also affected Cullman’s in commuting rate. A high percentage of the local workforce commutes outside of the county to live because more diverse and affordable housing can be found in surrounding areas. Although these were well-known issues throughout the community, we had not established statistical data or documented physical evidence supporting this claim. The initial step in increasing and updating the housing supply was to complete a county-wide housing assessment that would show exactly where the gaps were and how we would accomplish filling those gaps.

The purpose of the housing needs assessment was to have evidence that would support the community’s advocacy efforts. We need to advocate to developers that would have the resources to build housing to help fill the deficit. Furthermore, to ensure that developers are able to provide the needed housing, we also needed to address changes to the local ordinances that could hinder or support increased development. It is a priority of the Cullman community to make our Federal and State delegation aware of local housing issue. Being aware of our housing needs throughout the county can help to guide public policy to encourage residential development. It will also insure that as a community we are aware of programs that are available to assist with issues affecting housing throughout the North Alabama area.

Many areas within the county are not equipped with broadband accessibility. Residents in rural communities must be included in the expansion of broadband services. A 2018 NRECA study showed that the 6.3 million households in co-op service areas across the United States would receive an annual average of nearly $2000 each in economic benefits, if they had access to high speed internet. Benefits include improved health care, online learning opportunities, increased productivity for local businesses, higher housing values, and consumer savings through access to more products from competitive online sellers. Many areas of Cullman County are underserved. The goal is to have broadband accessibility to the entire county by working with other partners and Federal and State programs designed to address this infrastructure deficiency.

The Cullman community continuously reviews data that impact current and future workforce development in our area. This data includes education gaps, demographics, educational attainment, employment and other issues like housing. With this analysis, we are able to identify key areas of need in the Cullman community.

The primary challenge for continued economic growth and sustainability lies predominately in educating our current and future workforce. In partnership with the Cullman County Schools, Cullman City Schools, Wallace State Community College, City and County Industrial Boards and the Chamber of Commerce we have identified key areas which must be addressed to provide solutions to these challenges. The projects identified by all three education entities will assist students in gaining needed skills for the current and future workforce needs of the area’s expanding and diversified industry.

An example of projects identified as needs include a new state-of-the art Career Technology Academy to address long and short term needs. Capital investment funds to support construction and renovation to accommodate enrollment growth and new instructional methods and technology. Legislative policies that will enhance Career Tech opportunities for high school students. Support for mental health/school counselor’s to provide services in K-12. Support for ARC Power grant an Entrepreneurship project designed to outfit a new business incubation center with technology, a maketspace and Entrepreneur-in-Residence.  Continue support of Dual Enrollment Pell Funding.

Senator Doug Jones

Mark Libell, Legislative Director

Sarah Kate Sullivan

Senator Richard Shelby

Dayne Cutrell

Clay Armentrout

Congressman Robert Aderholt