Baldwin County Commission Approves Design for CR 54 and CR 55 Roundabout, Updated Hazard Mitigation Plan

BALDWIN COUNTY, Ala. — The Baldwin County Commission this week approved funding to design a roundabout at the intersection of County Road 54 and County Road 55, one of five highlights the county shared from its regular meeting on Tuesday, Oct. 20.

Commissioners also approved an updated five-year Hazard Mitigation Plan, recognized a local foundation for its donations to Live Oak Landing, announced a nearly $400,000 federal grant for a new sheriff’s patrol and rescue boat, and accepted a two-year corporate sponsorship for the county’s Christmas lights display.

Here is a closer look at each item.

1. Design approved for CR 54 and CR 55 roundabout

The commission approved funding for the design of a future roundabout at the intersection of County Road 54 and County Road 55. County officials said the project is meant to improve safety, traffic flow and mobility in Baldwin County.

Roundabouts have become a common tool for traffic engineers in fast-growing areas. Compared with traditional stop signs or traffic signals, modern roundabouts generally slow vehicles to lower, steadier speeds and reduce the number of points where vehicles can collide head-on or at right angles. Federal transportation safety research has found that converting intersections to roundabouts can significantly reduce serious injury and fatal crashes.

Baldwin County has seen several roundabouts built in recent years as population growth has added traffic to roads that were once mostly rural. The design phase approved this week is an early step. Construction would require additional funding and approvals at a later date.

2. Updated five-year Hazard Mitigation Plan approved

Commissioners approved Baldwin County’s updated Hazard Mitigation Plan. The county said the plan ensures Baldwin remains prepared for future emergencies and eligible for important mitigation funding opportunities.

Hazard mitigation plans identify the natural hazards a community faces, such as hurricanes, flooding, tornadoes and wildfires, and lay out strategies to reduce long-term risk to people and property. Under federal rules, local governments generally must have a FEMA-approved hazard mitigation plan, updated every five years, to qualify for certain FEMA mitigation grant programs. Those programs can help pay for projects like drainage improvements, elevating flood-prone structures, buying out repeatedly flooded properties and strengthening critical facilities.

The update comes just weeks after Hurricane Isaias brought damage to Baldwin County and much of south Alabama, a reminder of why the planning matters for a coastal county.

3. $396,000 grant for sheriff’s patrol and rescue boat

A federal grant of $396,000, secured through the office of U.S. Rep. Barry Moore, will pay for a new patrol and rescue boat for the Baldwin County Sheriff’s Office.

According to the county, the boat will support:

• Marine patrols
• Search and rescue operations
• Emergency response
• Boating safety enforcement across Baldwin County waterways

Baldwin County has one of the most extensive networks of waterways in Alabama, including Mobile Bay, the Gulf of Mexico shoreline, Perdido Bay, the Intracoastal Waterway and the rivers and bayous of the Mobile-Tensaw Delta. Those waters draw boaters, anglers and visitors year-round, and they can become dangerous quickly during storms or high winds.

4. Fly High Goose Foundation recognized

The commission recognized the Fly High Goose Foundation for donating $30,000 toward trail improvements at Live Oak Landing. The gift builds on a previous $30,000 investment the foundation made in the park’s playground project, bringing its total support to $60,000.

Live Oak Landing is a Baldwin County park in the northern part of the county, offering access to the Mobile-Tensaw Delta and outdoor recreation. Private donations like the foundation’s help stretch public dollars and allow parks to add amenities sooner.

5. Rayonier sponsors Christmas lights display

Rayonier committed $5,000 in 2026 and another $5,000 in 2027 to support the Christmas lights display at Bicentennial Park. The county said the sponsorship helps continue a holiday tradition enjoyed by residents and visitors.

Rayonier is a forest products and timberland company with significant land holdings in the Southeast. Corporate sponsorships help counties offset the cost of seasonal events and displays.

Highlights at a glance

• Roundabout: Design funding approved for a future roundabout at CR 54 and CR 55
• Hazard Mitigation Plan: Updated five-year plan approved, keeping the county eligible for mitigation funding
• Sheriff’s boat: $396,000 federal grant through Rep. Barry Moore’s office for a patrol and rescue boat
• Live Oak Landing: Fly High Goose Foundation donated $30,000 for trail improvements, after an earlier $30,000 for the playground
• Bicentennial Park lights: Rayonier pledged $5,000 in 2026 and $5,000 in 2027

How to follow the commission

Baldwin County Commission meetings can be watched live. Recordings, agendas and supporting documents for upcoming meetings are available on the Baldwin County website, giving residents a way to review decisions and follow projects such as the CR 54 and CR 55 roundabout as they move forward.