Leaders in Coffee, Dale, and Geneva Counties are working to get highway 167 4-laned from Troy to the Florida line.

Supporters say the widening project could benefit residents in both Alabama and Florida.

Business owners, residents and local law makers filled the Enterprise Council Chambers today to show support for widening Highway 167 through the Wiregrass to Florida.

"I use 167, so I truly realize the immediate need for the widening and improvements and what an impact it will have,” says District 2 Congressman Bobby Bright (D).

They were joined by lawmakers on both the state and federal level to be briefed on the project.

The highway they're discussing runs from Troy, south on 167 to Enterprise, where it passes many of the city's shops and eateries before heading south again to the Florida line.

"Economics, what it would mean to the Wiregrass especially with the new airport going into the Panama City area,” says Enterprise Mayor Kenneth Boswell.

Supporters say widening this route could also save lives should Florida residents have to evacuate the coast during a severe storm.

"There’s no amount of money that can replace a life," says Boswell

According to the Alabama Department of Transportation’s Chief Engineer Don Vaughn, Enterprise residents could see construction begin on the first two miles from the Boll Weevil Circle north to Salem Road in 2011.

The design work is complete.

"We are entering into the right of way appraisal process and we anticipate that will take about a year,” says Vaughn.

The first two mile phase will cost $16 million and lawmakers have vowed to work together to try to lobby for a federal tiger grant to help with the rest of the project.

"We’re going to work together. Ya’ll get behind us and let’s do something. Let’s enhance this 167!" says Alabama Representative Warren Beck (R).

Mayor Boswell wants citizens to help push for this project with their senators in Washington.

The first two mile phase of the project will cost $16 million.

This is the 7th annual meeting to discuss the Highway 167 project.