Local governments across the state got some good news last week.

On Monday, Gov. Robert Bentley approved the latest round of funds for bridge and road improvements.

Nearly $400 million was awarded statewide.

Butler County was the recipient of $7 million for four projects as part of the Alabama Transportation Rehabilitation and Improvement Program.

ATRIP uses the promise of future federal dollars to issue bonds to meet immediate needs.

The projects will not only make our roads and bridges safer to travel, they will also provide jobs for area contractors.

The latest round of funding will allow Butler County to resurface resurfacing County Road 50 from State Route 10 to the Crenshaw County line, Conecuh Street from State Route 10 to U.S. Hwy. 31 in Greenville, County Road 45 and County Road 59 from U.S. Hwy. 31 to Pigeon Creek, and County Road 45 from State Route 106 to County Road 59.

On numerous occasions, the Butler County Commission has stated that it would like to do more to improve the roads across the county, but with its limited funding it is unable to do much more than patch the roads.

Late last year, the County Commission elected to forgo the Rural Assistance Match Program, in which counties would be guaranteed to receive $4 million in federal funding in order to stay with ATRIP.

The move certainly appears to have paid off.

With the four newest projects that have been approved for ATRIP funds, Butler County has now been awarded five projects worth approximately $7.3 million.

Without these funds, many – if not all – of these projects would go undone.

Last Monday was indeed a good day for Butler County and those who travel its roads.