ATMORE, AL – The Poarch Creek Indians have been awarded $24 million from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Highway Administration as part of an initiative by the Biden administration to invest in transportation improvements to infrastructure and road safety on federal and tribal lands. The Poarch Creek Indians have also agreed to match 10 percent of funds awarded.
Funds awarded will be used toward a major improvement project to Jack Springs Road in Escambia County, AL. Funds will allow for an upgrade to the highly trafficked roadway, which will consist of converting a dirt road to a paved road with wider lanes and shoulders, as well as for resurfacing, road expansion, the installation of sidewalks and shoulder rumble strips, and intersection improvements.
The project, estimated to begin summer of 2025, is multifaceted and will take three to five years to complete. The area covers Jack Springs Road from I-65 North to Booneville Crossroads, covering approximately eight miles across three rural roads that lead into, through, and out of the Poarch Creek Reservation.
Currently, there are numerous public safety concerns for this area. Lack of shoulders, and adequate lane width, particularly for the high volume of semi-truck traffic, are all factors to be addressed. Improvements will include new roadway reflectors on centerline and edge lines, improved curve delineation with reflective tape, and dual incorporation of wildlife warning and speed limit signs that will flash during times of high activity such as deer crossings. The long-term vision of the tribe is to aid in improving Jack Springs Road to Atmore, and tribal leaders are still actively seeking multiple federal funding sources to address those concerns in the future.
Further multimodal improvements include adding sidewalk sections connecting existing sidewalks and adding crosswalks with enhanced visibility signs and flashing beacons connecting the powwow grounds to residential areas and tribal facilities. Once funds are received, the tribe will begin to submit requests for proposals and follow the federal procurement process for contract awards.
