Ted Little: Road projects just part of busy time in area

The past month has been a busy time in our family and I’m delighted to share with you that on Sept. 9 my daughter, Terre Su, gave birth to twins. Mother, daughter and son are all doing well, as is their proud father.

Recently I requested a special briefing from the Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT) pertaining to current road projects in my Senate District. A great deal is going on and I want to take this opportunity to highlight one particular project in each county in my district and will continue to highlight other projects in future articles.
In Russell County, the final four-laning of U.S. Highway 431 to the Barbour County line has been slowed due to a terrain weakness. The project is anticipated to be completed in November 2010.

In Lee County, the Department of Transportation advises me that they will go to bid during the month of December of 2009 to develop an interchange at the Technology Park exit (Beehive Road) on I-85. This will tie in well with future anticipated economic growth for our East Alabama region. At its conclusion, Lee County will have seven interchanges servicing Opelika, Auburn and interstate and intrastate commerce traveling on I-85.

In Tallapoosa County, a project receiving a lot of attention pertains to a partnership developing between Russell Lands Corporation, the city of Alexander City and the ALDOT to straighten out curves on State Road 63. This project will cost in the neighborhood of $6 million and should spur long anticipated additional economic development in this part of Tallapoosa County.

It is with great sorrow that I extend condolences to the family of deputy James Anderson of the Lee County Sheriff’s Office. Deputy Anderson personified the bravery and selflessness of an honorable law enforcement officer, sworn to uphold the laws of the State of Alabama. He did so with his life during a traffic stop last week while serving the citizens of East Alabama. Every day men and women willfully put themselves in harms way in order for us to have the protection we so often take for granted. We all owe a debt of gratitude to this fallen officer, his family and the countless others that have sacrificed their lives for our safety. I will sponsor a Senate Joint Resolution in the Alabama Legislature when we go back into legislative session commending the life of Deputy Anderson, an outstanding Alabamian and paying tribute to his family.

As we move into the last few months of 2009, let’s continue to work together for a common good.

Together we can find solutions to problems, close gaps between differing points of view, and unite with one another in accomplishing goals that make East Alabama such a desirable place to live and work.

We have shown what we can do when we work together. When we share an attitude of opportunities rather than problems, we build a stronger and more prosperous community. In times of celebration as well as condolence, it is important to recognize the strength of our neighborhood and give thanks for all that happens in it.

Sen. Ted Little represents District 27 and can be reached at 887-3472, (800) 835-4885 and