Congressman Aderholt Paves Way for Pine Street Enhancements Benefiting UNA, City of Florence
Apr. 30, 2026
Michelle R. Eubanks , UNA, at meubanks@una.edu, 256.765.4392
FLORENCE, AL – Congressman Robert Aderholt has requested $7 million for safety enhancements and streetscaping of Pine Street, according to his website. The request was submitted as Community Project Funding in the FY27 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies bill.
The funding, if approved, would be used as part of the ongoing work on Pine Street that would allow for a reduction in the number of lanes on Pine Street, increase the number of designated crosswalks, install ADA-compliant sidewalks, enhance pedestrian safety measures in place on the bridge and pedestrian lighting, and provide a true place of refuge for pedestrians on campus.
“This is a valuable use of taxpayer dollars because these improvements will enhance the safety for the students who use Pine Street daily,” Congressman Aderholt said. “In addition to the students, there are hundreds of thousands of visitors to UNA’s campus who transit Pine Street, and these enhancements will benefit all who interact with this roadway.”
Already, Pine Street has experienced several changes as a result of the construction of Bank Independent Stadium and LaGrange Residence Hall. The City of Florence has also, this spring, removed the row of pine trees on the western side of the road to prevent root systems from damaging the new sidewalks. Also, the current configuration of Pine Street with four lanes contributes to higher car speeds which can affect the overall safety of pedestrians.
“Safety is our number one priority, and it is important that Pine Street, which is a main thoroughfare through campus, be enhanced for all who use it, whether that be the student-athlete coming or going from practice to the patron of the Shoals Symphony crossing the street for an event at Norton Auditorium,” said UNA President Dr. Ken Kitts. “We are very grateful to Congressman Aderholt for his understanding of the importance of this project and for the funding that will allow us to enhance pedestrian safety.”
Congressman Aderholt serves Alabama’s 4th District, which includes much of Lauderdale County and the City of Florence. Aderholt began his college career at UNA and served as an elected member of the Student Government Association while on campus.
About The University of North Alabama
The University of North Alabama is an accredited, comprehensive regional state university offering undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degree programs through the colleges of Arts, Sciences, and Engineering; the Sanders College of Business and Technology; the Spencer College of Education and Human Sciences; and the Anderson College of Nursing and Health Professions. Occupying a 130-acre campus in a residential section of Florence, Alabama, UNA is located within a four-city area that also includes Muscle Shoals, Sheffield, and Tuscumbia. UNA Athletics, a renowned collegiate athletics program with seven (7) Division II National Championships, is now a proud member of NCAA Division I as part of the Atlantic Sun and United Athletic conferences. The University of North Alabama is an equal opportunity institution and does not discriminate in the admission policy on the basis of race, color, sex, religion, disability, age, or national origin. For more: una.edu and una.edu/unaworks/.