BAY MINETTE — Following a public hearing held by the State of Alabama Department of Transportation in October, Baldwin County officials held a similar public meeting Tuesday night regarding a proposed Interstate 65-Interstate 10 connector road.

County officials met with the public to discuss the proposed connector road.

Baldwin County engineer Cal Markert said the meeting was an opportunity for residents to speak with county officials and ask questions about the county's proposed route.

"The state did their thing, we're doing our thing. We're just trying to get the word out," he said.

Markert said though the state and the county have different routes proposed, they both have the same intention.

"At this time there is alternate route one and alternate route two; we're just trying to get feedback from the public," he said. "In the end we just want to choose the best route for the citizens. The state and county want the best route for the citizens."

Foley Councilman and resident Rick Blackwell said he believes the county's proposed route is the best route.

"It's cheaper and has less impact on the environment," he said. "And any possibility to help develop the car plant in Bay Minette can be an asset," he said.

According to information handed out at the meeting, Blackwell said the difference in expense is $44 million.

"It's the difference between $169 million and $125 million," he said.

Bay Minette Mayor Tillery also spoke with residents about the county's proposed routes, which she said she is in favor of. She said the road will not only save money, but will help the economy.

"(State officials) keep talking about creating jobs. That's not it  — we're creating careers," she said. She noted the impact the county's route would have on HK Motors, an auto plant planned for the megasite Industrial Park.

"The state is pushing the industry so I don't know why they won't support this," she said.

"The people we've talked to at ALDOT say they're open to suggestions," she said. "I just don't think this (state proposed route) is good engineering."