Full Breakdown
Governor Kay Ivey Announces $7.6 Million in Rebuild Alabama Grants for 26 Road Projects
5/9/2026, 11:47:49 PM
Overview of the Grant Announcement
On Thursday, Governor Kay Ivey disclosed that the Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT) will allocate more than $7.6 million in state funds to cities and counties for 26 road and bridge projects across the state. The awards constitute the first round of the 2026 Annual Grant Program, the yearly distribution mandated by the Rebuild Alabama Act.
Legislative Background and Program Requirements
The Rebuild Alabama Act, enacted by the Legislature in 2019 and signed by Governor Ivey, obliges ALDOT to set aside at least $10 million each year from the state’s share of gas-tax revenue for local transportation projects. The 2026 program will distribute a total of $15 million, which is $5 million above the statutory minimum. All projects receiving funds must commence construction within one year of award.
Funding Details and Project Scope
- State allocation: $7.6 million for 26 projects.
- Local matching: More than $1.9 million contributed by the recipient cities and counties.
- Geographic reach: Projects are spread across all 67 counties in Alabama.
- Cumulative impact: Since the Act’s passage, the grant program has awarded over $78 million for local infrastructure improvements.
Key Stakeholders
- Governor Kay Ivey – chief proponent of the Rebuild Alabama initiative.
- Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT) – administrator of the grant program.
- Municipal and county governments – recipients of state funds and providers of matching contributions.
Impact and Significance
The infusion of capital is intended to accelerate repairs and upgrades to roadways and bridges, enhancing safety and mobility for Alabama drivers. Visible “Rebuild Alabama” signage already marks ongoing projects in every county, signaling to the public that state and local agencies are actively addressing infrastructure needs. The matching requirement also ensures that local jurisdictions retain a financial stake in project delivery, potentially strengthening community support and oversight.
Official Statements & Responses
Governor Ivey emphasized the program’s visibility and its role in delivering tangible outcomes. She noted that the statewide signage reflects a network of projects and that the grants provide essential support for “critical projects” in local communities. State officials reiterated that the 2026 funding round exceeds the legal baseline, underscoring the administration’s commitment to maintaining momentum on transportation improvements.
Verbatim Quotes
- “If you are driving from one place to the next in our state, it is hard not to spot a blue Rebuild Alabama sign along the way. That is because we have road and bridge projects happening in all 67 counties,” — Governor Kay Ivey
- “These grants are giving our local communities the support they need to take on critical projects. We are going to keep delivering results you can see mile after mile across our state.” — Governor Kay Ivey
What’s Next
ALDOT plans to release additional grant rounds later in 2026, further expanding the pool of funded projects. Local governments will continue to submit matching contributions and initiate construction on awarded projects within the mandated one-year timeframe, keeping the statewide infrastructure agenda on schedule.
