Upper Creek Road to be resurfaced soon; others are approved
Over the past 14 months, the Escambia County Commission has spent more than $5 million resurfacing roads and the commission passed its 2023 transportation plan Monday to resurface a portion of Damascus Road and Hoomesville Road, which is also in the Damascus community.
County Engineer Bill Bridges said weather has delayed several projects such as Tippens Eddie Road and Upper Creek Road, but told commissioners the resurfacing of Upper Creek Road should begin in the next few weeks.
Commission Chairman Raymond Wiggins said the use of federal aid money and money from the Rebuild Alabama Act will fund the 2023 projects.
Bridges said last year the county used $2.6 million in Rebuild Alabama funds and spent another $2.5 million out of the General Fund to resurface and maintain county roads.
“We’ve spent more than $5 million in the last 14 months,” Bridges said of the road projects.
Those projects included Old Highway 31, Smithville Road, Old Atmore Road, Tulip Street, Beaver Creek Road, Wing Road and Fuqua Road.
In other business Monday, the commission approved its annual agreement with the South Alabama Regional Planning Commission.
Resolution passed
The commission passed a resolution designating Wednesday, Aug. 31 as Overdose Awareness Day in the county joining an international day of bringing awareness to a growing problem.
People Engaged in Recovery (PEIR) will hold a candlelight vigil at 6:30 p.m. Aug. 31 at the Escambia County Courthouse.
Recovery Specialist Megan White said there is a stigma attached to drug overdoses and PEIR is trying to break that stigma and bring awareness to the problem.
PEIR also offers free services for people addicted to drugs and helps navigate treatment and transportation for individuals who need treatment.
She noted that a lot of people have lost family members to substance abuse, not always an overdose, but PEIR recognizes their loss and grief.
For more information on PEIR call 251-236-3169 or White directly at 251-717-1397.
