Tuberville Targets Fuel Costs, Roads in Guntersville

TL;DR: Tuberville warned that high diesel prices are hurting Alabama farmers during harvest. He also backed a North Alabama gas pipeline, a broader mix of power sources and major road expansion, including a wider I-65.

U.S. Sen. Tommy Tuberville put fuel costs and road expansion at the center of his plans for Alabama during an interview in Guntersville. The Republican nominee for Governor called for more natural gas capacity in North Alabama and wider lanes on the State’s major interstates.

In his interview with FOX54, Tuberville said high diesel prices are hitting farmers at a critical time.

“We're all upset about the gas and diesel prices, there's no doubt about that. They are too high. (The) President knows that.”

He warned that costly fuel could eat into farm income during harvest.

“The Alabama people, our farmers, are getting hurt right now because this is harvest season, and it's very important that we get a good crop this year with a good, with lower input costs where they can make money. We are losing farmers right and left all over this country.”

Tuberville also directed criticism at energy companies.

“It's just unfortunate that at this time, for some reason, diesel prices are as high as they are. They should not be there, and it's very disappointing that our people that are in charge — I'm talking about the energy companies — have not been able to get that price down.”

On North Alabama’s power needs, Tuberville called for close work between the State, federal government and Tennessee Valley Authority. He said a proposed natural gas pipeline would stretch east from Limestone County, with TVA investing in a study of its route.

“We have got to get more gas up here. Okay, from Limestone County all the way across, we have a plan for a pipeline.”

Tuberville said nuclear power, hydroelectric power and natural gas should all be part of the region’s energy plans. His stated goal is to expand supply and bring costs down.

“We're going to work with them from the federal government to the State government and make it happen for the people of Alabama to try to have less cost for energy.”

Transportation would also be a focus if he becomes Governor. Tuberville singled out traffic around Clift Farm in the Madison area and stressed the need for new roads.

“We have got to put more roads in not just putting asphalt on old roads. We have got to build roads.”

He also outlined plans to widen Interstate 65 to three lanes in each direction toward the coast and pursue improvements to Interstate 85.

“We're going three lane 65 all the way down to the beach. We're going to do 85.”

Tuberville said a plan is in the works. His remarks did not spell out the cost, funding sources or schedule for those projects.

The full Fox54 interview with Tuberville is available on YouTube and below: