Democratic gubernatorial candidate Ron Sparks touts $400 million road improvement plan
HUNTSVILLE, AL - Democratic gubernatorial candidate Ron Sparks told a transportation advocacy group that as governor he would borrow $400 million on his first day in office to improve the state's road system.
Sparks, the two-term state agriculture commissioner, told about 20 people at today's North Alabama Transportation Foundation monthly meeting that he is the only candidate with a comprehensive road improvement program.
Sparks said the bond money would be repaid with $35 million a year from about $500 million a year that the Federal Highway Administration sends to the state.
He also supports legislation to take $100 million a year for 10 years from the state's oil and gas trust fund to improve state highways. Many officials oppose taking the money from the state's "rainy day" fund.
""I don't think it gets much rainier in Alabama than it is today," Sparks said.
Sparks, a Fort Payne resident, and U.S. Rep. Artur Davis of Birmingham are the only Democrats who have announced their candidacy for governor.
Sparks emphasized his North Alabama roots during his luncheon speech.
""This is home to me," he said. "I'm a North Alabama guy."
Sparks said important local road projects that need to be done include widening Winchester Road, Martin Road and Old Madison Pike, and extending Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Highway from Pulaski Pike to U.S. 231/431.
Sparks said he would work with local elected officials and legislators to ensure the area is ready for the "unprecedented growth and opportunities" that the Base Realignment and Closure Commission actions will bring to the area.
During a question and answer session after his speech, Sparks said he "did not come prepared" to sign a pledge that as governor he would spend at least 80 percent of the gas tax revenue collected in Madison County on road projects in the county.
"I hope you could get more than 80 percent," he said.
During his speech, Sparks recounted his accomplishments as agriculture commissioner. He said he wants to tax gambling, including bingo, and put a state lottery back on the table.
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