New state funding announced May 31 is a welcome investment in St. Clair County’s transportation system, said county officials.

“St. Clair County is ready to go as a full partner with the state on (this project/these projects), which will have a significant positive impact for our residents,” said Stanley Batemon, chairman of the St. Clair County Commission. “We are delighted that Governor Bentley has chosen to make this important investment in our community.”

Gov. Robert Bentley announced more than $100 million worth of local road and bridge projects that will receive funding in the first phase of the Alabama Transportation Rehabilitation and Improvement Program (ATRIP). The program is  funded by a bond issue that will be repaid with Alabama’s share of future federal transportation dollars.

The list of selected projects includes:

• Resurfacing and Safety Improvements for 4.9 miles of County Road 26 from West of Day Drive to State Route 144. The state is contributing $831,200 of the estimated $1,039,000.00.

• Local governments are required to contribute a 20 percent match for these special, one-time state dollars. The majority of projects funded in ATRIP’s first round will be let to contract by the end of 2012.

ATRIP is one of the key initiatives unveiled by Governor Bentley during his State of the State address in February.  Three phases of funding are planned for a grand total of $800 million to $1 billion in projects.