WASHINGTON, D.C. – More than 30 Cullman County leaders and community representatives traveled to the nation’s capital this past week for the annual Cullman Area Chamber of Commerce Washington Fly-In.
The delegation carried a unified message that federal partnership is essential to advancing public safety, quality of life and infrastructure projects back home.
At the forefront of discussions were three critical needs. Law enforcement agencies across Cullman County are requesting $1.6 million to replace outdated radios with modern LTE, VHF and 700/800 MHz equipment. The upgrade would improve emergency coverage, protect against cyber threats and ensure communication across agencies.
Leaders also underscored the urgent need for $4-6 million in renovations at the Cullman County Public Library. Built in the 1960s, the facility is outdated, not ADA compliant and too small to meet the demand of local children’s programs and community partnerships.
Infrastructure rounded out the chamber’s top priorities with the Big Bridge on County Road 222. County officials estimate $12-15 million is needed for renovation, or up to $100 million for full replacement. The bridge, built in the 1950s, connects the Brushy Pond and Trade communities and serves 2,500 vehicles daily.
Beyond the top three priorities, a wide range of local organizations brought requests to Washington. Cullman County Schools is seeking $27 million in federal support to complete a new STEM/Career Academy, while Cullman City Schools requested $500,000 for STEM programs systemwide.
Wallace State Community College presented its Lions Village project, a proposed development of tiny homes and childcare facilities aimed at addressing Cullman County’s 48.7% childcare gap for children under 6.
Healthcare, housing and mental health were also central to the Fly-In. Cullman Regional emphasized the need for support in expanding services, including surgical robotics and ambulances, while the Cullman Housing Authority pressed for modernization funding and flexibility in federal housing programs.
WellStone Behavioral Health advocated for continued funding of its community health center model, which it said has already reduced wait times for mental health care and lowered staff vacancy rates.
Other presentations included Cullman Electric Cooperative’s systemwide buildout of Sprout Fiber Internet and a new county substation, the North Alabama Agriplex’s request for $500,000 to build a teaching kitchen and Cullman County Parks and Recreation’s push for a new convention center to replace the aging Cullman County Agricultural Trade Center.
Cullman Parks, Recreation & Sports Tourism requested $250,000 to support the new Center for the Arts Community Theatre.
The Fly-In, organized by the Cullman Area Chamber of Commerce, included meetings with federal officials, agency representatives and Alabama’s congressional delegation. Chamber leadership said the purpose was to advocate for local priorities and ensure Cullman’s needs remain visible at the national level.
The 2025 Washington Fly-In was made possible through the support of Cullman Jefferson Gas, Cullman Electric Cooperative, Cullman Regional and the Tennessee Valley Authority.
Participants included local government officials, business leaders and agency directors, among them Good Hope Mayor Jerry Bartlett, Cullman County Commissioner Kelly Duke, Chamber Chairman of the Board Josh Wiggins, Cullman County Schools Superintendent Dr. Shane Barnette, Cullman Regional leadership and representatives from Wallace State Community College, The Cullman Tribune and the Chamber itself.
Cullman’s top 3 federal priorities
Radio system upgrade
Replace 15–20-year-old sheriff/police radios with modern LTE, VHF, 700/800 MHz (Project 25 standard)
Request: $1.61 million
Library renovations
Modernize outdated 1960s facility to expand space for children’s programs and ADA compliance
Request: $4–6 million
Smith Lake “Big Bridge”
Renovation adds 50 years lifespan with daily traffic around roughly 2,500 vehicles with a detour equal to 39.8 miles.
Request: $12–15 million (renovation) or $75–100 million (replacement)
Community requests by the numbers
Education and workforce
- Cullman County Schools STEM Academy: $27 million total
- Cullman City Schools STEM rollout: $500,000
- Wallace State Lions Village (housing and childcare): TBD
Parks, tourism and arts
- Agriculture/Convention Center replacement: TBD
- Center of the Arts Theatre (CPRST): $250,000
- Tourism Bureau: Support aligned with top 3 projects
Utilities and infrastructure
- Cullman Electric Cooperative: Substation + Sprout Fiber expansion (ongoing support)
- Sheriff/EMA Radio Upgrade Phase I: $864,297
- City of Cullman Police Radios Phase III: $746,300
Healthcare and human services
- Cullman Regional expansion (ambulances, robotics, outpatient centers): TBD
- North Alabama Agriplex Teaching Kitchen: $500,000
- Cullman Housing Authority modernization: TBD
- WellStone Behavioral Health (staffing, crisis services, CCBHC model): TBD
County data by the numbers
- Population: 87,866 (2020) → 94,041 (2030 projected) → 97,725 (2040 projected)
- Income: Median $60,916; Per Capita $30,977
- Unemployment: 2.5%
- Top employers: Cullman County Schools, Cullman Regional, Walmart Distribution, Topre, REHAU, Wallace State
