GULF SHORES, Ala. - There were 296 miles of road needing resurfacing, re-basing, repairing or building showing when Baldwin County Engineer Cal Markert put the numbers on the projector screen at the Gulf Shores Council Committee of the Whole (COW) on Monday afternoon the April 7.

  The operative words are “start soon” and “continue” for four years. “Pay as you go” means that as taxes are appropriated, the projects will continue.

  Markert said that the projected costs are $93 million, the existing funds are $22 million, and the difference is $71 million, which comes under a “Pay as you go” funds derived from a referendum to tax property.

  Taxes would be based on 10 percent of the appraised value, milled at .004, so that for example taxes on a $200,000 home would be about $80.

  Apart from the retro-fitting of County Road 13 as a direct artery to I-10 and three-laning existing roads at strategic points (such as County Road 6 from State Highway 59 to the Gulf Shores Sportsplex), Markert’s presentation is modest in comparison to the big picture Baldwin County Administrator Michael Thompson presented to the Chamber of Commerce in May 2007.

  Thompson listed 12,000 miles of paved roads and 400 miles of dirt roads which come under a 10-year strategy (and $143 million). Markert did not deal with dirt roads, and included bridges and Interstate interchanges under state and federal charge. The state has earmarked $500,000 for bridge repair in Baldwin.

  Markert’s maps showed resurfacing, turn lanes and new construction. His charts showed the mileage to be dealt with in each municipality. For example, Gulf Shores has 12 miles and Foley 15, while Fairhope has 27 miles. Markert answered Councilman Robert Craft’s question about grade base affirmatively. Markert indicated that 49 miles will have resurfacing leveling.

  After public hearings, a referendum will be arranged. Part 1 of the referendum calls for a vote to allow the county to go ahead with a plan; Part 2 calls for the approval of the extant plan. Councilwoman Carolyn Doughty asked about the possible failure of Part 2. Markert hopes both will pass, but if Part 2  fails, it’s back to the drawing board.

  Markert said that there are no alternatives to funding.

  “We now hold a $ 7.9 million service debt, and we can’t be borrowing any more,” he said.

  He referred to Amendment Act No. 2007–353.