Autauga County Commission commits 20% match for EDA disaster grant to study I‑65/US‑31 interchange

The Autauga County Commission voted unanimously on Feb. 3 to adopt Resolution No. 2026-12, committing the county to provide a 20% matching share if awarded a FY2025 Economic Development Administration (EDA) Disaster Supplemental Grant to fund a comprehensive economic development analysis of the I‑65/US‑31 interchange and surrounding area.

Commissioner Rusty Jacksland moved to approve the resolution and Commissioner Terry Tanner seconded the motion; the resolution passed by a unanimous recorded vote of the five commissioners. The resolution authorizes the county administrator to execute necessary documents to implement the grant match commitment if the award is granted.

The measure instructs county staff to provide a 20% match toward total project costs should the EDA award the supplemental grant. The resolution frames the project as an interchange and surrounding-area economic development analysis; proceeds of the grant, if awarded, would be deposited into the county general fund and subject to any EDA conditions.

County Attorney Kyle C. Shirley provided a written opinion contained in the meeting materials that the commission had authority to add the resolution to the agenda and take up the matter. The commission suspended the rules to consider the resolution during the Feb. 3 session and approved it without dissent.

The next procedural step is contingent on the EDA award decision; the resolution explicitly authorizes the county administrator to sign grant documents if the award is made. No implementation timetable was specified at the meeting.