Athens City Council prioritizes $4.5M drainage and sewer project on Strain Road

A major focus of the Athens City Council meeting on June 23, 2025, was the urgent need to address the multimillion-dollar drainage and sewer project on West and East Strain Road. Council members expressed strong support for the initiative, emphasizing its critical importance to the community.

Councilman Wells opened the discussion by highlighting the project's significance, stating, "I think it's a good project that will benefit the community." He urged fellow council members to commit to the completion of the Strain Road project, even if the current funding of $4.5 million from the Alabama Department of Environmental Management (ADEM) falls short. "I’m going to ask you individually to make that commitment so that it can be recorded in the minutes," he said, seeking unanimous support.

Council members responded positively, with Councilman Sykes echoing Wells' sentiments, affirming his commitment to the repairs. Councilwoman Henry also voiced her support, stressing the necessity of addressing both drainage and sewer issues. "We do not have a choice but to address it," she stated.

The council discussed the potential legal requirements and engineering considerations involved in the project, with assurances that much of the work could be handled in-house, potentially reducing costs. Mayor Marsh and other council members expressed their readiness to move forward, with plans to allocate approximately $2.5 million towards the drainage issues before tackling the sewer project.

As the meeting transitioned to the regular session, the council approved the minutes from both the work session and the previous meeting, setting the stage for further discussions on city business. The commitment to the Strain Road project stands as a pivotal moment for Athens, reflecting the council's dedication to improving infrastructure and serving the community's needs.