It is a shame that Talladega County officials’ farsightedness is being overshadowed by Shelby County’s reluctance to allow a bridge to be built across the Coosa River.The county’s legislative delegation has been earmarking a portion of Talladega County’s sales and use tax for years to help build a bridge over the Coosa River, connecting the southern part of the county with Shelby County.
The plan should open up development on both sides and make for easier travel and be more convenient to Interstate 65.
But Shelby County officials have said, ‘no.’ And the courts have backed them up, leaving Talladega County officials in a quandary over what to do next.
Those in opposition in Shelby County say they don’t want the increased traffic nor do they want the increased cost to improve the road on the other side of the river. And while we understand the concern, there ought to be a way to look at it as an investment and work together to make it happen.
Neighboring counties ought to be able to work together, and they ought to see the value in an improvement for the region.
If access is opened up in those areas of both counties, it seems to follow that it would benefit both.
But one is for it, the other against it, and until that changes, it is still a dream lacking fruition.
