DOCSLIB.ORG

In the United States District Court for the Middle District of Alabama

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
In the United States District Court for the Middle District of Alabama IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT FOR THE MIDDLE DISTRICT OF ALABAMA NORTHERN DIVISION BLACK WARRIOR RIVERKEEPER, INC., ) ) Plaintiff, ) ) v. ) ) UNITED STATES ARMY CORPS OF ) ENGINEERS; JON J. CHYTKA, DISTRICT ) COMMANDER, MOBILE DISTRICT; ) NO. ALABAMA DEPARTMENT OF ) TRANSPORTATION; and JOHN R. ) COOPER, DIRECTOR, ALDOT, ) ) Defendants. ) ) COMPLAINT FOR DECLARATORY AND INJUNCTIVE RELIEF Plaintiff Black Warrior Riverkeeper, Inc., by and through its undersigned counsel, files this Complaint for declaratory and injunctive relief, stating as follows: INTRODUCTION 1. This action challenges violations of Section 404 of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act ("Clean Water Act" or "CWA"), as well as the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 ("NEPA"), in connection with Defendant United States Army Corps of Engineers' ("the Corps') September 30, 2013 decision to issue a permit for the discharge of dredged or fill material into waters of the United States ("Section 404 permit") for the construction of a 1.86- mile segment of the Northern Beltline near Palmerdale, Alabama. When completed, the proposed 52-mile, six-lane Northern Beltline would be a new controlled-access highway between Interstate 459 in Bessemer, Alabama and Interstate 59 in Trussville, Alabama. 2. Section 404 of the Clean Water Act requires the Corps to issue permits only for those projects that represent the least damaging practicable alternative that will satisfy the project's purpose and need. In determining the least damaging practicable alternative, the Corps must evaluate a number of environmental and economic factors pursuant to CWA regulations and must look at the entire project. 3. The Section 404 permit issued for the Northern Beltline is an improper and illegal segmentation that prevents an objective look at the entire project's impacts and alternatives. Based on a piecemeal permit application from the Alabama Department of Transportation ("ALDOT"), the Corps purported to look at this 1.86-mile, six-lane interstate stub as a stand- alone project between two state highways, thereby avoiding an analysis of the entire project's collective impacts to waters of the United States and other resources. In reality, the Corps' analysis switches from evaluating this small and isolated segment (which greatly understates the environmental impacts of this project) to looking at the putative benefits of the 52-mile project as a whole, in order to justify issuing this permit. The Corps also failed to properly analyze alternatives to the 1.86-mile segment, or the 52-mile project, as required by Section 404 and its regulations. 4. The Corps' Section 404 and public interest analysis is deficient, in that the Corps did not take into account all comments that it received, did not account for or apply certain relevant factors, and improperly allowed harm caused by the Northern Beltline to be mitigated outside of the watershed where the project will be located, in order to justify permit issuance. 5. The Corps also prepared an Environmental Assessment ("EA") and Finding of No Significant Impact ("FONSI"), pursuant to NEPA. The EA in this case was based on inaccurate data, did not examine reasonable alternatives, and made findings that mask the overall significance of the Northern Beltline on the environment. 2 6. The 404 permit, EA and FONSI rely on data and other findings contained in other NEPA documents prepared by the Federal Highway Administration ("FHWA") for the 52-mile Northern Beltline. Specifically, the Corps relied on a 1997 Environmental Impact Statement ("EIS") and a March 2012 Re-evaluation of that EIS. The March 2012 Re-evaluation is the subject of a separate pending lawsuit against FHWA and ALDOT concerning violations of NEPA. 7. NEPA requires the preparation of a Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement ("SEIS") when significant changes have occurred in connection with a proposed project or the environment that will be affected by that project. Before issuing the Section 404 permit, the Corps should have prepared an SEIS in this case because of the numerous changes that have occurred to the Northern Beltline's design, cost, and impacts, as well as the changes that have occurred in the environment that will be affected by the Northern Beltline. 8. The Corps' issuance of the Section 404 permit, as well as its inadequate EA and FONSI, are final agency actions that are arbitrary, capricious, and otherwise not in accordance with law in violation of the Administrative Procedure Act, 5 U.S.C. § 706 ("APA"). The Corps' refusal to prepare an SEIS to analyze the impacts of and alternatives to the Northern Beltline is arbitrary and capricious, and further represents an action unlawfully withheld, also in violation of the APA. Plaintiff Black Warrior Riverkeeper, Inc. therefore requests that this court grant declaratory and injunctive relief to ensure compliance with the requirements of the CWA and NEPA. JURISDICTION AND VENUE 9. This action arises under the CWA, 33 U.S.C. § 1344, and NEPA, 42 U.S.C. §§ 4321-4347. This Court has jurisdiction pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 1331, and may issue declaratory and further relief pursuant to 28 U.S.C. §§ 2201 and 2202. Plaintiff is entitled to bring this 3 action pursuant to the Administrative Procedure Act, 5 U.S.C. §§ 701-06. 10. Venue is proper in this Court pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 1391(e). PARTIES AND STANDING Plaintiff 11. Plaintiff Black Warrior Riverkeeper, Inc. ("Riverkeeper") is a not-for-profit corporation whose mission is to protect and restore the Black Warrior River and its tributaries. The majority of the proposed route of the Northern Beltline lies within the Black Warrior River watershed, as does the entirety of the segment authorized by the Section 404 permit. 12. Riverkeeper has members who live and own property in the vicinity of the proposed Northern Beltline as well as members who visit, recreate, observe birds and other wildlife, photograph and otherwise use and enjoy the waterways, public lands, and other areas in the vicinity of the proposed Northern Beltline, including the 1.86-mile segment covered by the Section 404 permit. These activities will be negatively impacted by the proposed Northern Beltline. 13. Riverkeeper and its members have an interest in agencies conducting proper studies and analyses in order to minimize harm to the environment and to fully involve the public in agency decision-making as required by law. This interest will be harmed by the proposed Northern Beltline and the flawed Section 404 permit and environmental analyses concerning this project. 14. Riverkeeper and its members have been regular participants in meetings and correspondence with the Corps and ALDOT concerning the Northern Beltline. 15. Riverkeeper seeks to inform and educate its members and the public concerning highway and transportation planning and the impacts of transportation decisions on the Black Warrior River watershed, and advocates for transportation planning and policies that will have 4 the least long-term impact on the watershed. Riverkeeper also works to ensure that agencies comply with all applicable environmental laws. These organizational interests are directly and irreparably injured by Defendants' violations of law described herein. Defendants 16. The Corps is part of the federal Department of the Army. The Corps is charged with administering the Section 404 permitting program under the CWA. The Corps issued the Section 404 permit and the EA and FONSI that accompanied the Section 404 permit. 17. Colonel Jon J. Chytka is the District Commander of the Corps' Mobile District, whose jurisdiction includes the area in which the proposed Northern Beltline will be located. Colonel Chytka signed the Section 404 permit on September 30, 2013 and allowed the project to proceed without preparing an SEIS. Colonel Chytka is sued in his official capacity. 18. ALDOT is an agency of the State of Alabama. ALDOT is responsible for complying with both Section 404 and NEPA before proceeding with its projects. ALDOT improperly applied for a Section 404 permit for a small segment of the Northern Beltline and has based its decision to build the Beltline on inadequate environmental studies. ALDOT also signed the Section 404 permit at issue in this case on September 27, 2013. 19. John R. Cooper is the Director of ALDOT. Mr. Cooper had the final authority over the State's application for the Section 404 permit and is responsible for ensuring that ALDOT complies with all applicable environmental laws before proceeding with transportation projects in Alabama. Mr. Cooper is sued in his official capacity. LEGAL BACKGROUND A. Section 404 20. Section 404 of the CWA prohibits the discharge of dredged or fill material into waters of the United States without a permit. 33 U.S.C. § 1344. The Corps is the agency 5 charged with implementing the Section 404 program, subject to oversight from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency ("EPA"). 21. EPA has promulgated Section 404 regulations that govern Corps permitting decisions, known as the 404(b)(1) guidelines. 33 U.S.C. §1344(b); 40 C.F.R. Part 230. These guidelines prohibit issuance of permits if there is a practicable alternative which would have less impact on the aquatic ecosystem. 40 C.F.R. § 230.10(a). 22. Determining which alternatives are "practicable" includes examining other locations for discharging dredged or fill material, examining alternatives that do not involve discharging dredged or fill material into waters of the United States, and taking into account costs, technology, and logistics in light of overall project purposes. 40 C.F.R. § 210(a)(1)-(2). 23. The Corps' regulations for processing applications for Section 404 permits state that all activities which a permit applicant plans to undertake that are "reasonably related" to a given project should be included in the same permit application. 33 C.F.R. § 325.1(d)(2). The regulations are clear that the scope of the analysis must address the entire federal action.
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Ultimate RV Dump Station Guide
    Ultimate RV Dump Station Guide A Complete Compendium Of RV Dump Stations Across The USA Publiished By: Covenant Publishing LLC 1201 N Orange St. Suite 7003 Wilmington, DE 19801 Copyrighted Material Copyright 2010 Covenant Publishing. All rights reserved worldwide. Ultimate RV Dump Station Guide Page 2 Contents New Mexico ............................................................... 87 New York .................................................................... 89 Introduction ................................................................. 3 North Carolina ........................................................... 91 Alabama ........................................................................ 5 North Dakota ............................................................. 93 Alaska ............................................................................ 8 Ohio ............................................................................ 95 Arizona ......................................................................... 9 Oklahoma ................................................................... 98 Arkansas ..................................................................... 13 Oregon ...................................................................... 100 California .................................................................... 15 Pennsylvania ............................................................ 104 Colorado ..................................................................... 23 Rhode Island ...........................................................
    [Show full text]
  • Prestressed Concrete Girders Achieve Record Lengths Tacoma, Washington
    THE CONCRETE BRIDGE MAGAZINE FALL 2019 www.aspirebridge.org WSDOT inspects 223-ft-long, 247-kip lightweight concrete girder Prestressed Concrete Girders Achieve Record Lengths Tacoma, Washington BRIDGES OF THE FOOTHILLS PARKWAY Great Smoky Mountains National Park DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER VETERANS MEMORIAL BRIDGE Anderson, Indiana MARC BASNIGHT BRIDGE Dare County, North Carolina COURTLAND STREET BRIDGE Atlanta, Georgia Permit No. 567 No. Permit Lebanon Junction, KY Junction, Lebanon Postage Paid Postage Presorted Standard Presorted OVER NEW I-35W BRIDGE I-91 BRATTLEBORO BRIDGE MINNESOTA 40 VERMONT YEARS PENOBSCOT NARROWS BRIDGE & OBSERVATORY HONOLULU RAIL TRANSIT PROJECT MAINE HAWAII 4TH STREET BRIDGE COLORADO AIRTRAIN JFK 410 NEW YORK SARAH MILDRED LONG BRIDGE MAINE/NEW HAMPSHIRE AWARDS FOR OUR CUSTOMERS ACROSS THE UNITED STATES I-280 VETERANS’ GLASS CITY SKYWAY VICTORY BRIDGE OHIO NEW JERSEY DAUPHIN ISLAND BRIDGE ALABAMA FOUR BEARS BRIDGE Creating Bridges As Art® NORTH DAKOTA www.figgbridge.com | 1 800 358 3444 NEW WINONA BRIDGE MINNESOTA VETERANS MEMORIAL BRIDGE TEXAS US 191 COLORADO RIVER BRIDGE I-76 ALLEGHENY RIVER BRIDGE UTAH PENNSYLVANIA I-275 SUNSHINE SKYWAY BRIDGE BLUE RIDGE PARKWAY VIADUCT FLORIDA NORTH CAROLINA SENATOR WILLIAM V. ROTH, JR. BRIDGE NATCHEZ TRACE PARKWAY ARCHES SOUTH NORFOLK JORDAN BRIDGE DELAWARE TENNESSEE VIRGINIA CONTENTS Features “A Shot in the Arm” 6 Armeni Consulting Services helps many clients address 10 estimating and scheduling challenges as the array of delivery and construction methods grows. Bridges of the Foothills Parkway 10 Dwight D. Eisenhower Veterans Memorial Bridge 14 Marc Basnight Bridge 18 Courtland Street Bridge 24 Departments Photo: Eastern Federal Lands Highway Division of the Federal Highway Administration.
    [Show full text]
  • U.S. Money Laundering Threat Assessment (MLTA)
    MONEY LAUNDERING THREAT ASSESSMENT WORKING GROUP Department of the Treasury Office of Terrorism and Financial Intelligence (TFI) • Office of Terrorist Financing & Financial Crime (TFFC) • Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) • Office of Intelligence and Analysis (OIA) • Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) • Executive Office for Asset Forfeiture (TEOAF) Internal Revenue Service (IRS) • Criminal Investigation (CI) • Small Business/Self Employed Division (SB/SE) Department of Justice Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Criminal Division • Asset Forfeiture Money Laundering Section (AFMLS) National Drug Intelligence Center (NDIC) Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) Department of Homeland Security Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System United States Postal Service (USPS) United States Postal Inspection Service (USPIS) U. S. Money Laundering Threat Assessment December 2005 TABLE OF CONTENTS MONEY LAUNDERING THREAT ASSESSMENT Introduction ........................................................................................................................................i Banking ................................................................................................................................................ 1 Money Services Businesses ....................................................................................................... 7 Money Transmitters...........................................................................................................
    [Show full text]
  • PROPOSED IMPROVEMENTS to INTERSTATE 59/INTERSTATE 20 Lauderdale County, Mississippi MDOT Project Number DB/IM-0059-03(099)/108158-301000
    PROPOSED IMPROVEMENTS TO INTERSTATE 59/INTERSTATE 20 Lauderdale County, Mississippi MDOT Project Number DB/IM-0059-03(099)/108158-301000 DESIGN-BUILD PROJECT NOTICE OF INTENT The Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT) intends to solicit proposals from parties interested in providing design and construction services necessary to upgrade lighting within the approximate Meridian city limits, install Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) infrastructure, and to complete the widening, rehabilitation, or replacement of multiple existing bridges on Interstate 59/Interstate 20 in Lauderdale County in Mississippi. Modifications to the bridge or the roadway below may be required in order to provide adequate vertical clearance at certain locations. Other work included may involve bridge demolition, roadway design, hydro-demolition, girder replacement, joint replacement, installation of retaining wall systems, minor repairs, and associated roadway work. The Mississippi Transportation Commission (Commission) will use a two-step process to select a Design- Build team with which to execute a contract for this Project. The Request for Qualifications (RFQ) represents the first step in the process. The purpose of the RFQ is to solicit Statements of Qualifications (SOQs) from Responders interested in providing the requested services necessary to complete the Project. After evaluation and scoring of responsive SOQs, the Commission intends to short-list the most qualified Responders. The Short-listed Responders will be provided a Request for Proposals (RFP) and will be asked to submit a Volume 1 – Technical Proposal and a Volume 2 – Contract Price Proposal. A Design-Build team will then be selected for the Project utilizing the best-value selection method. This NOTICE OF INTENT is issued to allow potential Responders an opportunity to form Design-Build teams in anticipation of the issuance of the RFQ.
    [Show full text]
  • Alabama  Transportation Profile
    Alabama Transportation Profile U.S. Department of Transportation Bureau of Transportation Statistics Acknowledgments U.S. Department of Project Manager Data Collection and Production—Battelle Transportation Ron Duych Norman Y. Mineta William Mallett Secretary Major Contributors Mary Field Alexa Getting Martha Courtney Leonard Hughes Michael P. Jackson Derald Dudley David Kall Deputy Secretary Torrance Gloss Melody Liu Darcy Herman Laurie Scovell Pamela LaFontaine Matt Sheppard Bureau of Other Contributors Transportation Statistics Alpha Glass Rick Kowalewski Steve Lewis Deputy Director Chip Moore Lorisa Smith William J. Chang Associate Director for Information Technology Bureau of Transportation Statistics John V. Wells Our mission: To lead in developing transportation data and Chief Economist information of high quality and to advance their effective use in both public and private transportation decisionmaking. Wendell Fletcher Our vision for the future: Data and information of high quality Assistant Director for supporting every significant transportation policy decision, thus advancing the quality of life and the economic well-being of all Transportation Analysis Americans. To obtain this and other BTS publications: Internet: www.bts.gov Phone: 202/366-DATA [press 1] Fax: 202/366-3640 Mail: Product Orders Bureau of Transportation Statistics U.S. Department of Transportation 400 7th Street, SW, Room 7412 Washington, DC 20590 Your comments for improving State Transportation Profile reports are welcome. Contact the BTS Information Service:
    [Show full text]
  • Governor Awards $4.1 Million to Install Electric Vehicle Charging Stations
    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Thursday, June 10, 2021 Governor awards $4.1 million to install electric vehicle charging stations MONTGOMERY —Gov. Kay Ivey has awarded 18 grants to help bring Alabama motorists into the electric vehicle age. The grants totaling more than $4.1 million will help finance the installation of electric vehicle charging stations at many fueling stations near interstates and other major highways and corridors in central and north Alabama. Other types of businesses and public entities were also eligible for awards. “We have begun the journey of transforming vehicles operated by fossil fuels into those powered by electricity, and it’s important that motorists be able to charge their vehicles when traveling along the interstate and other major highways in Alabama” Gov. Ivey said. “Many of the vehicles manufactured right here in Alabama plants have already begun this transition, and it is exciting to come onboard with these projects to support these vehicles as they become more readily available and more Alabamians choose to drive them.” The grants will be used to fund up to 80 percent of the cost of the charging stations. Funds for the projects came from the Volkswagen Settlement Plan and the Alabama Legislature. The VW settlement arose from an agreement with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency regarding VW’s violation of the federal Clean Air Act. Alabama was among states receiving settlement funds. The Interstate-20 corridor from the Alabama-Georgia border to Tuscaloosa was outlined in the Alabama Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Plan as the ideal site for charging stations. The plan, which outlines goals and priorities for establishing charging stations in Alabama, cited I-20 as a priority because of its link to Atlanta and because that area of Alabama, which includes the populous Jefferson County metro area, has the highest concentration of electric vehicles in the state.
    [Show full text]
  • Coastal Bridge Company, L.L.C., Docket No. 02-0463
    UNITED STATES OF AMERICA OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH REVIEW COMMISSION ))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))), Secretary of Labor, : Complainant, : : v. : OSHRC Docket No. 02-0463 : Coastal Bridge Company, L.L.C., : EZ Respondent. : )))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))- Appearances: Christopher V. Grier, Esquire Mr. Van P. Bailey Office of the Solicitor Coastal Bridge Company, L.L.C. U. S. Department of Labor Baton Rouge, Louisiana Dallas, Texas For Respondent For Complainant Before: Administrative Law Judge Stephen J. Simko, Jr. DECISION AND ORDER Coastal Bridge Company, L.L.C., is engaged in the business of bridge construction. On February 8, 2002, respondent was engaged in construction work at a jobsite in Slidell, Louisiana. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) conducted an inspection of respondent’s jobsite on February 8, 2002. As a result of this inspection, respondent was issued a citation. Respondent filed a timely notice contesting the citation and proposed penalties. Citation No. 1, item 1, alleges a serious violation of 29 C.F.R. § 1926.501(b)(1) as follows: Each employee on a walking/working surface (horizontal and vertical surface) with an unprotected side or edge, 6 feet (1.8 m) or more above a lower level was not protected from falling by the use of a guardrail systems [sic], safety net systems [sic], or personal fall arrest systems [sic]. a) Employees were observed working without fall protection on the edge and leaning over the edge while painting the concrete barrier on the U. S. Interstate 12 overpass of U. S. Interstate Highway 59 in Slidell, LA. This action did subject the employees to a potential fall (to the Interstate Highway below) in excess of 20 feet.
    [Show full text]
  • Availability Report
    Availability Report Spring 2015 www.LeaseBham.com Beacon Center Offi ce Park 529, 601, 631 & 651 Beacon Parkway Bldg. Suite SF Birmingham, Alabama 529 102 931 • Located off of Interstate 65, and 601 104 1,671 within minutes of Interstate 20/59 601 201 2,452 • Convenient to Red Mountain 601 204 2,627 Expressway (Hwy 31), UAB, the 631 108 2,072 Birmingham Central Business District, 631 109 2,340 Brookwood & St. Vincent’s Hospitals 631 112 1,565 • Abundant free parking • Flexible offi ce confi gurations 631 211 8,829 • Well maintained & mature 651 111 2,037 landscaping 651 114 911 CONTACT: 651 115 3,446 Steve Butler - 205.939.8217 or Bob Nesbitt - 205.939.8219 651 201 1,819 [email protected] [email protected] 651 213 11,110 Cahaba Park Offi ce Center 200 & 300 Cahaba Park Circle West Bldg. Suite SF Birmingham, Alabama 200 104 925 • Strategically located in the highly 200 105 878 desirable US Hwy 280 Corridor 200 116 2,279 • Ideal for professional or service 200 125 8,754 industry offi ce 200 214 2,504 • Ample surface parking available 300 101 2,350 • Surrounded by beautiful mature 300 133 2,749 landscaping and open walkways • Great upscale environment at an 300 134 1,147 affordable price 300 202 1,311 300 214 931 CONTACT: Steve Butler - 205.939.8217 [email protected] Highpoint Offi ce Center 400 Vestavia Parkway Suite SF Vestavia Hills, Alabama 120 803 • Located near Montgomery Hwy 221 2,247 and Interstate 65 400 6,457 • Surrounded by beautiful wooded scenery and lush landscaping • Abundant free parking • Completely renovated and updated • On-site UPS and Fed-Ex drop boxes CONTACT: Steve Butler - 205.939.8217 [email protected] All information furnished regarding property for sale, rental, fi nancing or projections of income and expenses is from sources deemed reliable.
    [Show full text]
  • Advancing Racial Equity Through Highway Reconstruction
    VANDERBILT LAW REVIEW ________________________________________________________________________ VOLUME 73 OCTOBER 2020 NUMBER 5 ________________________________________________________________________ ARTICLES “White Men’s Roads Through Black Men’s Homes”*: Advancing Racial Equity Through Highway Reconstruction Deborah N. Archer** Racial and economic segregation in urban communities is often understood as a natural consequence of poor choices by individuals. In reality, racially and economically segregated cities are the result of many factors, * “White men’s roads through black men’s homes” was the mantra of a coalition led by Reginald M. Booker and Sammie Abbott in opposition to highway development in Washington, D.C. See Harry Jaffe, The Insane Highway Plan that Would Have Bulldozed DC’s Most Charming Neighborhoods, WASHINGTONIAN (Oct. 21, 2015), https://www.washingtonian.com/2015/10/21/the- insane-highway-plan-that-would-have-bulldozed-washington-dcs-most-charming-neighborhoods/ [https://perma.cc/6YCR-PKKR] (discussing the campaign to halt the building of highways in Washington, D.C.). ** Associate Professor of Clinical Law and Co-Faculty Director of the Center on Race, Inequality, and the Law, New York University School of Law. I thank Rachel Barkow, Richard Buery, Audrey McFarlane, Michael Pinard, Russell Robinson, Sarah Schindler, Tony Thompson, Kele Williams, and Katrina Wyman for helpful comments on earlier drafts. I also appreciate the insights I received from participants of faculty workshops at Brooklyn Law School and the University of Miami School of Law and participants at the 2019 Clinical Law Review Workshop at NYU Law School. I am grateful to Nelson Castano, Anna Applebaum, Michael Milov-Cordoba, and Rachel Sommer for their research assistance and to Sarah Jaramillo for her constant support of my research.
    [Show full text]
  • State Agenda Consists of Policy Priorities That Are Critical to the Economic Development Success of Our Region
    STATE201 AGENDA8 STATE 2018 AGENDA The Birmingham Business Alliance (BBA) supports policies that will help the region grow in jobs and capital investment. Advocating for legislative priorities that put the Birmingham region in a competitive position increases our ability to attract and retain business and a quality workforce. The BBA’s State Agenda consists of policy priorities that are critical to the economic development success of our region. The BBA advocates for policies and legislation that may require action, as well as closely monitors legislation and issues that stand to positively or negatively impact the business climate of our region. ACTION AGENDA ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT Technology-Based Economic Development The BBA supports the development of a statewide incentive based program for high-growth startups to intentionally foster a strategic approach to accelerate organic growth of these companies in, and recruitment to, the Birmingham region. This complimentary economic development strategy will provide for growth, retention and scale of high- growth startups in the state of Alabama, which will increase the state’s skilled technology workforce, create an attractive ecosystem that boosts entrepreneurship, attract venture capital and better position Alabama to compete with neighboring states. Birmingham Jefferson Civic Center Authority The BBA strongly supports efforts underway by the Birmingham Jefferson Civic Center Authority (BJCCA) to improve Birmingham’s ability to host large-scale conventions, trade shows, sporting and entertainment events by updating and enhancing the convention facilities, modernizing the arena and constructing a new flexible-use stadium at the BJCC. Alabama Drug Discovery Alliance The BBA supports a request for matching funds from the state of $20 million over five years to support the Alabama Drug Discovery Alliance.
    [Show full text]
  • SPECIAL COMMITTEE on U.S. ROUTE NUMBERING SPRING 2015 REPORT to the STANDING COMMITTEE on HIGHWAYS May 14, 2015
    SPECIAL COMMITTEE ON U.S. ROUTE NUMBERING SPRING 2015 REPORT TO THE STANDING COMMITTEE ON HIGHWAYS May 14, 2015 The Special Committee on U.S. Route Numbering met on May 13, 2015, in Cheyenne, WY. Present were the following members: Gregory C Johnson (Chair), Michigan Department of Transportation Mark McConnell, Mississippi Department of Transportation John A. Barton, Texas Department of Transportation (called in by conference phone) Richard M Tetreault, Vermont Agency of Transportation The meeting convened at 5:10 PM with several guests present: Joe Garvey (Agile Assets), Cory Pope (UT), Del McOmie (WY), Rob Effinger (AASHTO), Blake Rindusbacher (ITD), Mark Gieske (MN), Virginia Sullivan (Adventure Cycling), Jim Sayer (Adventure Cycling), John Sepp (Decision Lens), and Jim McDonnell (AASHTO), Paul Degges (TN). Since John Barton, TX is no longer a SCOH member he is therefore no longer eligible to serve on the Special Committee. Del McOmie, WY has indicated his willingness to volunteer and serve as the Region 4 representative. His nomination and appointment will only be official with the approval of his CEO and appointment by the AASHTO President. Mr. McOmie’s appointment will be announced at the appropriate time. The meeting adjourned at 6:00 PM. Respectfully submitted by: Marty Vitale, Secretary USRN USRN Received 26 applications from 13 States and approved the following (some with conditions) 16 U. S. Routes 6 Interstate Routes 4 U.S. Bicycle Routes State Route Description Decision Number ARKANSAS U.S. 412 - The route begins at the junction of US 49 in Affirmative establish as Paragould, Arkansas and travels along the eastern with the a spur edge of the city limits of Paragould on a two-lane condition that undivided roadway on new location.
    [Show full text]
  • Introduction
    Major Street Plan – Hoover, Alabama Introduction The following summarizes the development process of the major street plan element of the Comprehensive Plan prepared for the City of Hoover, Alabama. Both land use and the roadway system were analyzed in this study effort. The purposes of the transportation component are to guide development in the establishment of a planned roadway network, assess the effectiveness of the existing roadway system, considering the present land uses and transportation network, and to develop a major Street plan that will mitigate current and future roadway deficiencies, increase mobility, support the Comprehensive Plan, and create a safe and efficient roadway system for the future. Sources of information for the major street plan included the City of Hoover, the Alabama Department of Transportation, the Regional Planning Commission of Greater Birmingham, Atkins, the KPS Group, Inc. and office files and field reconnaissance efforts of Skipper Consulting, Inc. Background If a major street plan does not exist, streets become major by their use as determined by the traveling public to meet their immediate traffic needs. A major street plan proposes the development and use of streets that provides the greatest safety and long range economy. To ensure that transportation plan meets the desires of the City of Hoover it was determined that the transportation plan should meet the following criteria: • Meet the long range transportation need of the city; • Encourage and accommodate traffic on the interstate, arterials and collectors while discouraging traffic on local and neighborhood streets; • Provide access among all developed areas of Hoover; • Improve overall accessibility to employment, education, public facilities, and other major activity centers; Skipper Consulting, Inc.
    [Show full text]