HUNTSVILLE — TARCOG is being recognized nationally for efforts to make it safer to travel throughout northeast Alabama with a new Regional Safety Action Plan for area roads.
The National Association of Development Organizations notified TARCOG (Top of Alabama Regional Council Of Governments) this week it will be honored with the Aliceann Wohlbruck Impact Award at the organization’s training conference this year.
The safety plan developed by TARCOG and Alta Planning + Design consultants, is for the non-urbanized areas in Jackson, DeKalb, and Marshall counties, as well as areas of Limestone and Madison counties outside of the Huntsville Urbanized Area.
The project was funding by Safe Streets for All program. As a result of the plan, municipalities in the area became eligible for implementation funding to address safety improvements identified in the plan.
“We are proud of the national recognition for this project,” said TARCOG Executive Director Michelle Jordan. “More important to us is that the new Regional Safety Action Plan is a guide for our local officials throughout the region to help make informed decisions about making our roadways safer for travelers.
“Improving the quality of life for the people and communities of Northeast Alabama is at the heart of our mission.”
Presented annually, the NADO Impact Awards honor regional development organizations and their partners for strengthening communities, building regional resilience, and enhancing local economies through innovative approaches to economic and community development.
This year’s cohort included 90 impactful projects led by 79 organizations across 24 states. TARCOG is one of three projects recognized in Alabama.
“The Impact Awards are an annual reminder of the creativity and commitment that regional development organizations bring to their communities,” said NADO President Rick Hunsaker, executive director of the Region XII Council of Governments in Iowa. “This year’s awardees show how local and regional partnerships, driven by vision and collaboration, can lead to lasting positive change across our country.”
The impact awards are presented in honor of Wohlbruck, NADO’s first executive director, who was a lifelong advocate for regional solutions and rural economic development.
All selected projects are featured in an interactive StoryMap that showcases summaries, images, and key partners. The map is available at www.nado.org/2025impactawards/.
Don’t miss out! Subscribe to our email newsletter to have all our smart stories delivered to your inbox.
