By STEPHANIE BRUMFIELD / Staff Writer

COLUMBIANA – The Shelby County Commission approved an approximately $1.14 million agreement with the Alabama Department of Transportation for the construction of a “park-and-ride” lot at the Shelby County Airport during its July 22 meeting.

The new parking lot will be located on Shelby West Parkway north of Shelby County 87 and is the first lot of its kind, said County Manager Alex Dudchock. Dudchock said the new lot is the first park-and-ride facility in Shelby County, and it will give people a place to leave their cars when carpooling to Birmingham or other places. The lot is for both carpools and van shares, he said.

According to the agreement approved by the commission, the cost of the lot is estimated at $1,141,669, with $228,334 funded by the county and the remaining $913,335 coming from federal funds. Any unforeseen costs exceeding the estimated amount will be billed to the county.

In other business, the commission honored County Manager of Water Services Charles Lay by passing a resolution in honor of his retirement. Lay is retiring after 12 years of service to the county.

“A testimony to anyone in management is how they leave the ship when they get off. (Lay) has done more than adjectives can describe,” Dudchock said.

A reception was held in Lay’s honor after the meeting.