EPA makes formal objection to JeffCo northern beltline | News

JEFFERSON COUNTY, AL (WBRC)- The long delayed northern beltline for Jefferson County could be running into another road block.

The more than $1 billion project is looking to create a loop around the northern part of the county connecting I-20/59 to I-459. The beltline is expected to be a boom to the area. But recently the Environmental Protection Agency sent a letter to the Army Corp. of Engineers objecting to the project.

The EPA questioned the need for up to six and eight lanes of highway and now supporters are concerned.

"We will have to see what will come out of the EPA objection. The Army Corp. of Engineers, what their reaction is to it. It's just a wait and see chase right now," Joe Knight, Jefferson County Commissioner, said.

Knight says the EPA objection could derail the project. The Alabama Department of Transportation hopes to accept bids by the end of the year to start the first phase of the construction.

Copyright 2012 WBRC. All rights reserved.