Commission approves $4.2 million County Road 49 improvements in Magnolia Springs under 30Q program

The Baldwin County Commission approved an intergovernmental agreement with the town of Magnolia Springs to fund County Road 49 roadway and pedestrian improvements under the county’s 30Q matching program.

County staff described the project as roughly one-half mile in length, beginning at U.S. Highway 98 and ending at the Magnolia River. The project package includes access management via a center landscape median that will convert to left-turn lanes at major intersections, and a detached multi-use trail replacing an existing sidewalk. County staff said the design is intended to slow and channelize traffic while improving capacity and pedestrian safety.

The total project cost presented to the commission was approximately $4,200,000. Under the 30Q program, Magnolia Springs will contribute $2,100,000 and Baldwin County will match with $2,100,000. County staff explained the 30Q program is a county initiative to match up to $30 million from municipalities and townships with $30 million from the county for transportation projects that are constructed or under design by 2030.

Mayor Ross Hauser of Magnolia Springs spoke in support of the project and thanked the commission for the county’s participation. Commissioners discussed elements of the design; one commissioner asked whether the project would remove existing speed bumps and staff replied that future design options near the bridge include consideration of a roundabout but said removal of all speed bumps was not certain at this stage.

A motion to approve the intergovernmental agreement was made and seconded; the chair called for the voice vote and the motion carried. The resolution number recorded in the meeting materials for this item was Resolution 2025-147.