Check out the new Interstate 14 coming to Alabama’s Black Belt

A new infrastructure bill was just approved by the Senate. What does this mean for Alabama? In the bill, the Senate proposed a new interstate, I-14. It’ll start in Texas and run through Alabama. This interstate will pass through towns like Selma and Montgomery, which will bring economic growth for the Black Belt. Read more to find out what’s to come.

A good sign for the Black Belt

The Black Belt is a region in Alabama that includes Sumter, Dallas and Montgomery counties. It was originally called the Black Belt because of the rich, black topsoil. But once freedmen stayed to work as sharecroppers, the meaning changed.

Wanna know a fun fact about the Black Belt? It’s home to many historical and civil rights markers—like the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma.

This interstate will bring much-needed growth to the Black Belt. Senator Ted Cruz and Congresswoman Terri Sewell are both thrilled to see this development connect these states.

Check out what’s in store

The interstate would connect Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and Georgia. But where in Alabama would the interstate run? It’ll pass through the cities of Demopolis, Selma and Montgomery.

A study by Volkert and Associates found these Alabama cities would grow by 16%. In fact, Selma could see a solid increase in population.

The Black Belt may also see a 37% increase in jobs!

We’re excited to see the number of jobs increase.

Rolling down the new Interstate

The plan hasn’t been pushed into action, yet. Why is that? It still needs to be passed by the House and signed by President Joe Biden. But don’t worry, the House will review the bill in September.

It’ll still be some time before the interstate will be drivable. But once approved, jobs and growth will be expected to come!

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