SB228 Alabama 2024 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Gerald H. AllenSenator

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2024

Title

Tuscaloosa County, special fund to be used to match federal funds for eastern bypass, constitutional amendment

Summary

SB228 would amend Alabama's Constitution to create a special fund, funded by local governments, to match federal funds for completing the eastern bypass around Tuscaloosa and Northport.

What This Bill Does

It would establish a special fund maintained by the Tuscaloosa County Road Improvement Commission. The fund would be funded by quarterly contributions from the Tuscaloosa County Commission, the City Council of Tuscaloosa, and the Northport City Council, starting October 1, 2026 through October 1, 2056, with specified amounts: $1,250,000 per quarter from the County, $1,250,000 per quarter from the City of Tuscaloosa, and $625,000 per quarter from the City of Northport. Beginning January 1, 2028, these amounts could be adjusted each year based on the percentage change in median household income, as used for adjustments to legislators' pay. The money in the fund would be used only to match federal funds for the completion of the eastern bypass around Tuscaloosa and Northport. The amendment would be put to a vote in the 2024 General Election.

Who It Affects

• Local government bodies (Tuscaloosa County Commission, City Council of the City of Tuscaloosa, and City Council of the City of Northport) that must make quarterly contributions to the fund.
• Residents and taxpayers in Tuscaloosa County, the City of Tuscaloosa, and the City of Northport who would indirectly fund the bypass project through these public contributions.

Key Provisions

• Creates a special fund maintained by the Tuscaloosa County Road Improvement Commission to match federal funds for the eastern bypass around Tuscaloosa and Northport.
• Requires quarterly contributions from the Tuscaloosa County Commission ($1,250,000 per quarter), City of Tuscaloosa Council ($1,250,000 per quarter), and City of Northport Council ($625,000 per quarter) for 2026–2056.
• Contributions start Oct 1, 2026 and end Oct 1, 2056.
• Contributions may be adjusted each year starting 2028 based on the percentage change in median household income, as used for legislative pay adjustments.
• Funds are used solely to match federal funds for the completion of the eastern bypass around Tuscaloosa and Northport.
• Constitutional amendment to the Alabama Constitution of 2022; requires ratification by voters at the 2024 General Election.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 22, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Tuscaloosa County