Press Release

ATMORE, Ala. (July 31, 2026) – The Poarch Creek Indians were awarded a historic $24 million federal grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Highway Administration to fund a comprehensive infrastructure improvement initiative along Jack Springs Road in Escambia County, Alabama. This represents the largest federal grant the Tribe has ever received for a roadway construction project and marks a significant investment in transportation safety, economic development, and long-term infrastructure improvements for the area.

The (4) four-phase project will improve travel conditions for Tribal Citizens, local residents, emergency responders, commercial traffic, and visitors by modernizing one of the area’s most heavily traveled roadways. Construction is expected to span approximately two years, with the overall project anticipated for completion by March 2028.

“This historic investment represents far more than improvements to a roadway.  It is an investment in the safety, quality of life, and future of our community,” said Poarch Creek Indians Tribal Council Member Keith Martin. “These permanent infrastructure improvements will provide safer travel, improve emergency response access, reduce flooding concerns, and strengthen our transportation network for generations to come. We are grateful to the U.S. Department of Transportation and the Federal Highway Administration for this significant investment in our community.”

The approximately $4 million construction on Phase 1 is scheduled to begin with road closures at Judson Cemetery from August 5 – 10.  Major improvements during Phase 1 include:

• Widening existing lanes 
• Adding paved safety shoulders
• Road resurfacing 
• Adding shoulder rumble strips
• Improving drainage infrastructure to reduce the likelihood of flooding

These permanent improvements are designed to enhance safety, improve mobility, and provide a more resilient transportation corridor for Tribal Citizens and the traveling public.

The Poarch Creek Indians are committed to keeping employees, Tribal Citizens, local residents, and the traveling public informed of traffic changes every step of the way by providing timely updates regarding road closures and detours in an effort to minimize disruptions and keep the community informed about construction progress.  Upon completion, the improvements will provide a safer, stronger, and more reliable transportation corridor that will benefit the community for decades to come.

To support these efforts, there will be a dedicated Jack Springs Road Project webpage on the Poarch Creek Indians website. The webpage will serve as a central source for construction updates, road closure notices, detour maps, project timelines, and other important information throughout the duration of the project. For current and updated information on the project, please visit pci-nsn.gov/road-construction-updates.