ELBA, AL – The Shiloh community in Elba, Alabama, remains in limbo as it anxiously awaits the fulfillment of promises made by the previous administration’s Department of Transportation (USDOT) regarding the ongoing flooding issues blamed on a nearby highway.
For years, the community has struggled with flooding exacerbated by the highway, and the issue has caused significant damage to the area. In response, the former Secretary of Transportation, Pete Buttigieg, engaged in discussions with Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT) Director John Cooper, leading to a binding agreement to address the problem and make the community “whole.”
However, with the transition of power in Washington D.C., there is growing concern among Shiloh residents that the commitments made by the previous administration may not be upheld. Pastor Timothy Williams, the community’s spokesperson, voiced the uncertainty, saying, “When you say make whole, our interpretation is that you fix the damages that have been going on for 7 years now, but we are also seeking legal action. We are not giving up.”
In a letter to the community, the USDOT reassured residents that despite the shift in leadership, the department would continue to work alongside ALDOT to resolve the flooding issues. The letter emphasized their commitment to helping the community, but with a change in administration, there are fears that key players may not be fully informed about the ongoing situation.
“A lot of things are changing. They are changing the federal government. There will be people who don’t even know what’s going on, so we will have to alert them,” Williams said. “We’re just praying they will honor their word.”
Under the agreement reached in October, both ALDOT and USDOT pledged to implement one of two mitigation plans, each spanning 12 months or longer. The community had expected progress by March, but Williams expressed concern that no significant action has been taken yet, as ALDOT has not yet contacted residents in the area.
“Something is supposed to be happening in March. They are supposed to jump on it and move, but it’s February and the people on the front haven’t been contacted by ALDOT yet,” Williams stated.
While the community waits for a resolution, Williams claims that some ALDOT representatives have been reaching out to residents in attempts to settle for less than they believe is necessary. He also voiced frustration about what he sees as a pattern of neglect toward Black and Brown communities in Alabama.
“I always say this, and I’m not racist or anything, but in Alabama, Black and Brown communities are neglected,” Williams said. “They will come through and destroy your community and then want to take your land. We’re not doing that.”
As the situation unfolds, the Shiloh community is exploring legal options. Attorneys are already investigating the matter, and next week, Williams plans to contact the new administration to inform them of the issue, request meetings, and seek their support in securing a fair resolution.
The Shiloh community’s ongoing fight highlights the challenges faced by many rural and underserved areas in navigating bureaucratic processes and holding government agencies accountable for promises made. As the community prepares for potential legal action, they remain hopeful that the transition in leadership will not derail their long-awaited resolution.
