Civil Municipal Magazine Aug 2023

36 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 4, ISSUE 8 Along with sidewalk enhancements, to improve walkability and connectivity throughout the community, Alexander City allocates a portion of sales tax collected towards a paving program. “On top of that, we’re working with the Alabama Department of Transportation, replacing some bridges to help accessibility, especially on the main thoroughfare going into Lake Martin, highway 63 off of 280. There are some huge upgrades there to help with traffic flow,” Baird reports. Bids are also out for the building of a new high school which Baird says will lead to a consolidation of the school system. Additionally, a new senior village is coming to the community, thanks to a generous $25 million donation from the Russell family. “It’s going to be specifically geared toward senior citizens, with a geriatric advanced care facility, an assisted living facility, and 26 independent living cottages,” Baird recounts. “It borders our sportsplex which is our municipal recreational facility. Once they get this village built, the residents will be able to take golf carts and drive down into the sportsplex and watch ball games or whatever. It’s going to be neat to have them all tied together.” As for the future of Alexander City, Baird maintains that the emphasis is on sustainable growth that brings prosperity and opportunity to the city. “We are trying to address this huge amount of development that we have happening right now and be able to take advantage of everything that’s coming at us,” he concludes. PREFERRED VENDOR/PARTNER n Central Alabama Community College www.cacc.edu Central Alabama Community College (CACC) is a diverse and dynamic institution offering state-of-the-art academic and workforce education and training. With various programs and flexible scheduling, CACC serves students of different ages and backgrounds, preparing them for a rewarding future. The College’s intimate class sizes, highly qualified faculty, and modern technology ensure a strong academic focus, while its athletics, organizations, arts, and events encourage personal growth and discovery.