Fort Payne, Ala. – In the five years since the COVID-19 pandemic, the City of Fort Payne has invested nearly $70 million into infrastructure, public safety, and quality-of-life projects—transforming city services to better serve residents. From safer streets and resilient utilities to new schools and recreational amenities, these efforts reflect a commitment to smart planning, transparency, and responsible stewardship of public funds.
“Looking back to 2020, we all had a bold vision for Fort Payne’s future – and we still do,” said Mayor Brian Baine. “But we quickly uncovered long-overdue maintenance needs—especially the urgent $25 million investment required to upgrade our aging sewer and wastewater systems. That became our priority because it impacts every household, school, and business in our community.”
Since that initial investment, Fort Payne has delivered dozens of high-impact projects that promote safety, growth, and long-term sustainability:
- $20 million – Construction of the new Little Ridge Intermediate School (bond-funded)
- $11 million – Full renovation of the Fort Payne Sports Complex with new ballfields, lighting, parking, and facilities
- $5 million – New Police Department headquarters modernizing law enforcement
- $2 million – Replacement of aging police and fire vehicles more reliable response
- $2 million (over 5 years) – Competitive benefits to recruit and retain city employees
- $1.5 million – New sanitation trucks to improve waste collection service
- $1.2 million – Upgraded telecommunications for first responders
- $1 million – New ladder truck and pumper to maintain fire and insurance ratings
Additionally, over $1.5 million has been invested in several community projects:
- Improved traffic flow at 5th Street and Gault Avenue
- Renovated, ADA-compliant sidewalks to enhance pedestrian access downtown
- New basketball and tennis courts
- Dump truck fleet rotation for ongoing maintenance efficiency
- Demolition of the abandoned hospital to reduce blight and inspire redevelopment
- Two additional School Resource Officers to enhance student safety
- Public-private partnership to support the expansion of Builders Supply Company
- New traffic signal at Airport Road and Highway 11
What’s next for Fort Payne?
Several major initiatives are already underway or in the design phase:
- Repaving Highway 11 through the heart of downtown
- Installing a Truck Arrester Bed on Highway 35 near “Joe’s Truck Stop”
- Attracting new national retailers such as Marshall’s to local shopping centers
- Re-designing the intersection of Highway 35, Jordan Road, and Airport Road to improve safety and traffic flow through the City’s commercial corridor
All these projects align with the recently adopted Fort Payne Forward Comprehensive Plan, a resident-driven roadmap developed with input from over 1,000 citizens to guide the city’s next 10 to 15 years of progress.
“The Council and I take seriously our duty to manage taxpayer dollars wisely,” said Mayor Baine. “We’ve made lasting improvements while preserving a healthy reserve to stay prepared for whatever comes next. Our goal is to invest where it matters most.”
Residents are encouraged to stay engaged in the city’s progress. City Council meetings are held on the first and third Tuesday of each month at 12:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers on the second floor of City Hall.
