Alabama Republican Rep. Gary Palmer faced sharp criticism after he touted the benefits for his district from a provision in the infrastructure bill he voted against.
On Monday, the same day President Joe Biden signed the $1.2 trillion bill into law, Palmer issued a press release taking credit for a provision he introduced directing $369 million to the Northern Beltline project, a 52-mile, six-lane corridor under construction in his home state of Alabama.
“Funding the Northern Beltline has consistently been one of my top priorities,” Palmer said in a statement. “Birmingham is currently one of the largest metropolitan areas in the country without a complete beltline around it. Completing the Northern Beltline will benefit the entire region and enhance economic development and employment opportunities.”
He went on to cite the Appalachian Regional Commission for estimating the project will have an annual economic impact exceeding $2 billion in 10 years and create 14,000 jobs.
“This is the opportunity we have been working for as a region and a state. Now is the time for us to take advantage of it and complete the work by finishing the Northern Beltline and building a better future for the Birmingham metro area and central Alabama,” Palmer said.
