Washington, DC  -  U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers announced today that the Town of Notasulga has been awarded a $200,000 grant to construct a new highway bridge downtown. The grant, which is administered by the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC), connects the east and west sides of the community and will be matched with $100,000 from the state Department of Transportation.

“The citizens of Notasulga have waited long enough for this new bridge,” Rogers said. “Because of this grant a replacement should soon be on the way, hopefully providing the community greater safety and the local economy a much improved transportation link.”

In August, Rogers wrote the ARC to express his strong support for the grant application. “This funding is essential for the rehabilitation of the Notasulga Bridge to provide the citizens and visitors of Notasulga a safe and convenient means of access from downtown…and connects the town, fire, police and EMS services to the local high school,” he said in the letter. Rogers also wrote a letter in June to the Alabama Department of Transportation urging DOT to approve funds to help rehabilitate the bridge. The bridge has been closed for several months.

“I am pleased to have helped secure this grant for the people of Notasulga, and also thank Governor Riley, Notasulga Mayor Louise Ramsey, and the Macon County Commission for their support and assistance with this project.”

The total cost of the project, which includes the demolition and removal of the old bridge as well as the construction of a new bridge on the same site, is expected to be $300,000. Rogers said the ARC grant share is $200,000 and the state DOT’s share is $100,000.