Tuscaloosa County Nets $2M For Improvements To Wallace Ferry & Blackburn Road

TUSCALOOSA, AL— Alabama State Sen. Greg Reed, a Republican from Jasper, on Thursday announced that the Tuscaloosa County Commission and the Alabama Department of Transportation have collaborated to secure roughly $2 million in Industrial Access Road and Bridge funding for improvements to Wallace Ferry and Blackburn Road.

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Reed explained that Wallace Ferry Road and Blackburn Road represents the main access point for the Shoal Creek Mine — a significant employer in Tuscaloosa County and major player in the statewide economy.

“This is simply a great example of how very positive things can be accomplished by working together across the County Commission, leaders in the Legislature like Greg Reed and the engineering teams at ALDOT and Tuscaloosa County," District 1 Commissioner Stan Acker told Patch. "All of Tuscaloosa County will benefit for many years to come from the jobs provided here and from the improvement to our infrastructure."

Reed said the funding will be put toward resurfacing and striping nearly seven miles of the two-lane roadway that services the mining operation.

"I am proud to have played a part in facilitating the Industrial Access Road and Bridge grant funding and appreciate the diligent efforts displayed by the Tuscaloosa County Commission and the Alabama Department of Transportation,” Reed said. “Effective economic development continues to be a priority but supporting and sustaining current industries is just as crucial. Shoal Creek mine is an invaluable employer in my district, and I stand strong in continuing to be an advocate for the coal mining industry.”

District 1 Commissioner Stan Acker, who represents the northernmost portion of Tuscaloosa County, said the improvements have been a long-term priority for his district and expressed his gratitude for the support.

"The work to secure this grant from our Tuscaloosa County Engineering Department in conjunction with Senator Reed and his office has been a model of cooperation and teamwork," he said. "The Tuscaloosa County Commission and Probate Judge Robertson have been a tremendous asset in this process in approving the matching funds to help bring this project to fruition.”

Reed said since Fiscal Year 2020, Peabody Energy has invested nearly $50 million on development, construction, and equipment at Shoal Creek Mine — resulting in an increase of over 280 jobs with the expectation to add 28 more full-time employees.

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