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February 28, 2019 Vol. 127, No. 42 www.alexcityoutlook.com 75¢
SPECIAL ANNUAL EDITION INSIDE
State at a crossroads Ivey proposes 10-cent hike in gas tax to fund infrastructure improvements STAFF REPORT TPI Staff
Gov. Kay Ivey proposed Wednesday raising the state’s gas tax by 10 cents a gallon over the next three years to fund massive infrastructure improvements, and Sen. Clyde Chambliss, who represents parts of Tallapoosa and Coosa counties, has been tasked with handling the bill in the Alabama Senate. The state gasoline tax, which is 18 cents per gallon and has not been increased since 1992, would increase by 6 cents this year, 2 cents in 2020 and 2 cents in 2021 under the plan, which also links the tax to a national index on highway construction costs to account for inflation. That would increase the tax no more than 1 cent every two years, Ivey said. During her speech Wednesday in Maplesville, Ivey did not address speculation she might call a special session of the legislature to pass the gas tax increase. The regular session begins March 5. It would be easier to pass the plan in a special session, which requires only a simple majority. In the regular session, bills connected with the state budget must pass with a three-fifths majority. Republicans possess a supermajority in the legislature but the Alabama Republican Party overwhelmingly approved a resolution last weekend opposing a raise in the gas tax without a corresponding reduction in other taxes such as the state’s sales tax on groceries. “My Rebuild Alabama Infrastructure Plan is a comprehensive approach to a glaring issue affecting citizens in every corner of the state,” Ivey said. “After 27 years of stagnation, adequate funding is imperative to fixing our many roads and bridges in dire need of repair. By increasing our investment in infrastructure, we are also making a direct investment in public safety, economic development and the prosperity of our state.” The state currently imposes a flat excise tax of 18 cents per gallon on gas and 19 cents per See TAX • Page 3
Today’s
Weather
Fire destroys home in Dadeville By CLIFF WILLIAMS Staff Writer
A
Cliff Williams / The Outlook
Top: Firefighters try to put out a fire in the walls of a home on Hatcher Street in Dadeville on Wednesday. Above: A firefighter cuts a hole into the wall of the home looking for the flames.
Farm center could have impact on Coosa, Tallapoosa counties
71 54 High
6
Oliver hopes Highway 22 will be four-laned to I-65
Low
By JIMMY WIGFIELD Managing Editor
54708 90050
8 USPS Permit # 013-080
Lake Martin
Lake Levels
486.87 Reported on 02/27/19 @ 7 p.m.
LACEY HOWELL 256.307.2443
laceyshowell@gmail.com 5295 Highway 280, Alex City, AL
+
File / The Outlook
Alabama House Rep. Ed Oliver (R-Dadeville) said the Alabama Farm Center could have an impact on Coosa and Tallapoosa counties.
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Dadeville family is without a home following a Wednesday afternoon fire. “We got a call out to investigate smoke on Hatcher Street,” Dadeville Fire Department chief Anthony Wilkerson said. “I walked out of the fire department and saw a large plume of black smoke. When I got here, the was fire coming out the back and sides of the house.” Wilkerson said the homeowner tried to make an entry into the home. “She opened the door and saw nothing but orange,” Wilkerson said. Wilkerson said the home was a total loss, there were no injuries and the cause was under investigation. In addition to the Dadeville Fire Department, the Jacksons Gap Volunteer Fire Department and the Camp Hill Volunteer Fire Department responded to the blaze. The American Red Cross also responded to help the family of three with its services.
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State Rep. Ed Oliver (R-Dadeville) said a project of huge magnitude in Chilton County could have benefits for Coosa and Tallapoosa counties as well, possibly resulting in direct four-lane access to Interstate 65. It was announced Tuesday a proposed 5,000seat Alabama Farm Center will be located in Clanton near exit 212 on I-65. The airconditioned arena will feature a 150,000 squarefoot exhibition building, a 400-stall horse barn and 400 RV hookups to serve as venues for livestock shows, rodeos, dog shows, festivals and consumer events. It could create 300 to 400 jobs and result in an annual economic impact See FARM • Page 3
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