By Sam Poe
Sunday, July 28, 2013 | 8:07 AM
https://hbtv.us/news/?story_id=1674
The Highway 13 Drainage Project has begun on Highway 13 North. Currently, there are several problem areas on Highway 13 North, extending from KFC to the old Hardee's location, that flood during storms and heavy rainfall. There is an outdated drainage system in place, but it is no longer working to properly drain the highway of standing water, and portions of that system have collapsed. Because of the failure of this system, areas under Highway 13 had begun to wash away, and if this had continued, there would have been problems with safety on those areas Highway 13.
Most of the current work is being paid for by a FEMA grant that has provided approximately $1 million. The City of Haleyville is contributing about $379,000 toward the project for matching grant funds. Although this money seems like a lot, it is still not enough to update the entire system. The current project will provide updates in the most critical area, extending from KFC to Dr. Lakeman's dental office. City officials hope this project will drastically decrease the flooding issues and will provide safer travel conditions in the area. Please be cautious and considerate of workers in the area, as they work to provide you with safer conditions.