Prattville Council Approves ALDOT Access Project, City Investments

The Prattville City Council on December 2 approved an ALDOT industrial access construction agreement to widen and resurface Bowen Way, a project identified as IAR 001 000 013 and CPMS 100081255. The resolution listed a total project cost of $1,183,000 and showed a net city cost of $0 because state funding was awarded to cover local expenses. Council members characterized the work as necessary to support Project Magnolia, the industrial development the access improvements are intended to serve.

Council business also included approval for the purchase of a 2026 Caterpillar 308 excavator for wastewater operations through Sourcewell, with a purchase cap of $130,465. The expenditure was budgeted in the wastewater enterprise fund and is intended to maintain and improve municipal sewer infrastructure and response capacity for repairs and routine maintenance.

Another key vote authorized a resolution supporting renovations at 124 West Main Street to convert the property into incubator space for tenants who will pay rent. Renovation work will be bid and the council noted that some costs are expected to be repaid through future rents. The move is part of broader efforts to expand small business capacity downtown while leveraging city assets to attract entrepreneurship and new commercial activity.

The council reviewed multi year timelines for enforcement of several dilapidated structure cases and handled routine nuisance abatement motions. Members also made appointments to boards and commissions, part of regular municipal governance that affects permitting, code enforcement, and citizen representation.

For residents the actions mean improved industrial access without an immediate local tax burden, upgraded equipment for wastewater operations that may reduce service disruptions, and investment in downtown property that could create new lease opportunities for small businesses. The council also signaled continued attention to property standards through staged enforcement timelines. Full meeting video and transcript are available through the city meeting archive for anyone seeking detailed discussion or roll call information.