Mobility and access to natural resources have made the U.S. 72 Corridor in Northwest Alabama a popular destination for industry and tourism. The economic backbone for the region, mobility along U.S. 72 is threatened as burgeoning growth erodes the corridor’s rural character. The U.S. 72: Mobility, Economy and Rural Preservation Corridor Study was initiated by the Northwest Alabama Council of Local Governments/Shoals Area MPO to alter this trend without disrupting transportation for area residents and business owners. Using a variety of methods to engage  stakeholders about tradeoffs between mobility, access and economic development and rural preservation, the corridor study provides a guide for future growth and access by effectively striking a balance between competing pressures through local land use policies and access management techniques.

Contact: Keith Jones or Jesse Turner
Muscle Shoals, Alabama; 256.389.0513
kjones@nwscc.edu or jturner@nwscc.edu; www.nacolg.com