Connector road called economic ‘foyer’ for Florida, Alabama

Birmingham attorney Luther Strange, who was hired to represent private investors, said the I-10 connector has been on the drawing board for more than 25 years. He said it is not just a toll road, but an economic development “foyer.”

Strange said the states of Alabama and Florida report that there is no money available to construct the road to connect the Dothan area to I-10. He said Gov. Riley and others have said both states would have to be creative … think “out of the box.”

Strange said the group he represents and their counterparts in Florida have tried to think of a creative way to make the I-10 connector a reality. Those involved hope to extend the toll road past I-10, further south to Highway 98.

“It is premature to say we have a project to announce today,” Strange said. “We have spent a lot of time working behind the scenes and we feel like we are on track to develop this project.”

Steve Shaw, president of Couch USA, said it is feasible for the project to be completed in five years.

The concept is to construct a partnership with five or six counties. Public-private partnerships have been used in Texas and Virginia, but never in Alabama.

The unique part of this partnership is it would be with two states. The public-private partnership involves, the creation of a not for profit corporation.

Focus 2000 of the Wiregrass is the non-profit corporation for the Alabama portion of the toll road. A non-profit corporation will be created in Florida.

Strange did not release any cost figures, but he did say it would be an expensive project. During a meeting of the Chipley City Commission last week, it was mentioned that the project could cost $2 billion.

Strange said the road would bring thousands of jobs to the area and create economic corridors.

“It would be the biggest economic development project this area has ever seen,” he said.

He said a private nonprofit corporation will design, construct and operate the toll road.

“No public, federal or state funds will be used,” he said.

The private investors will go to financial markets and seek tax exempt bonds to pay for the toll road. Once finished, it will be maintained to interstate specifications.

Strange said at the end of 30 years the road will be paid off and it will go to the counties where it runs through.

“It is creative. It is unusual,” he said.

He said the specifics about the corporation will be discussed at another times. County officials and attorneys are meeting with Focus 2000 this week.
Strange said there will be public meetings to talk through all of the issues.

“It is creative, and will put Alabama at the forefront,” he said.

— Debbie Ingram is a writer for the Dothan Eagle. Look for full coverage in the print edition of the Floridan .