Lt. Gov. Will Ainsworth joined Mobile radio FM Talk 106.5's "The Jeff Poor Show" this week to discuss the possibility of a new Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT) director and the need to prioritize major highway projects, like expanding I-65 and I-10.
"I'm hopeful that when we get a new ALDOT director who actually does what's best for the state instead of however he makes his decisions," Ainsworth asserted. "I don't think he intentionally tries to do things that aren't best for the state, but I think his decisions clearly show that."
Ainsworth said Alabama's next presumptive governor will leave a lasting mark on transportation infrastructure.
"I think when we get Governor Tuberville, I think we'll get after it. I think he'll do some legacy projects like that," Ainsworth stated.
The Lt. Gov. spoke of the unnecessary focus on infrastructure in more rural portions of the state, contrasting the area's traffic density with that of more populated areas.
"Go drive through some of these areas, Fickle, and the southwestern part of the state. Nothing gets to that part of the state," Ainsworth argued. "Go drive through there and see the traffic first, compared to 65 or Baldwin County or Mobile I-10. It doesn't make sense, or right up where I'm from, in Huntsville."
"The frustrating thing for me about Alabama is we don't have a plan about what we're going to do for the next six to 10 years that actually addresses any of these concerns. It's kind of like we react here."
Ainsworth blamed a "lack of vision of leadership" from ALDOT for slow progress in expanding Alabama's busiest roadways.
"I think just a lack of vision of leadership and not getting stuff done from ALDOT has really held our state back, and certainly our new group Moving Alabama Forward, we're going to highlight that, and encourage the leaders because now I think you're gonna have a new ALDOT director. I don't think there's any way John Cooper stays right under a Tuberville administration."
"I look forward to having some new cabinet people and fresh faces," added Ainsworth.
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