Observer Corps
Jefferson County Commission

Jefferson County’s new $52 million pump station at Valley Creek cracked during heavy rains, filled up with 18 feet of water and had to be shut down. No one will hazard a guess as to the cause until the water is drained from the 90-foot deep structure, which will take at least six weeks. The station was built as part of a $400 million project to expand capacity and modernize treatment processes. Luckily, the original plant is still operating.

Jefferson County citizens were encouraged by public hearings and a scheduled committee vote on a transit funding bill. But the bill stalled in committee with a 7-7 vote with two abstentions. Bill sponsor Rep. George Purdue needs one changed vote to move the bill to the full House of Representatives. Rep John Rogers, who chairs the committee, had not scheduled another meeting as of April 11. This legislative session is scheduled to end May 16.

Approximately $17.5 million has been spent on the traffic control and emergency response system for interstates and major roads in the greater Birmingham area. The Alabama Department of Transportation admits that the system, consisting of cameras and message boards, still does not operate properly. When emergency personnel respond to a call on an interstate, they often do not know which side of the interstate is affected. The State DOT did not collaborate with local officials when planning the system. This is blamed for many of the system’s failures. Don Vaughn, deputy director of the transportation department, recently promised local officials to involve them in traffic system planning.