Fairhope is seeking to split funding with the Baldwin County Commission as part of a cost-sharing program to support road improvement projects.

Fairhope City Council authorized Mayor Sherry Sullivan to submit an application and supporting letter to the Baldwin County Commission requesting C3 funding during its meeting on Monday, Aug. 10.

Baldwin County Commission's Connecting Communities Collectively (C3) program is a $120 million initiative that began last year, previously named the 30 Cubed Project, where the county and municipalities partner on road and bridge projects. Under the initiative, the county said the goal is to dedicate $60 million to road projects across Baldwin County by 2030, but that funding goal has since doubled.

This would mark the first time that Fairhope participates in the initiative. The funds would cover the construction of a roundabout at the intersection of Founders Drive and Boothe Road, install ADA-compliant curb ramps and pedestrian refuge improvement at appropriate crossings, improve crosswalk markings and perform upgrades to the US-98 and Twin Beech Road intersection, such as signal upgrades and an additional turn lane.

Under the program's cost-share structure, funding would be split between the Baldwin County Commission and the City of Fairhope, with each party taking on $2.5 million for a total cost of $5 million.

"This funding opportunity represents a significant investment in one of Fairhope's most important transportation corridors," City Engineer Richard Johnson said in a memo recommending it to council. "Through a partnership with Baldwin County, the City can accelerate needed safety and capacity improvements, leverage local resources, and enhance regional connectivity while responding proactively to continued growth."

During their work session prior to the regular city council meeting, city officials said they expect the project to take up to several years with its cost spread across their upcoming annual budgets.