ALDOT Faces Tough Questions

By Diana Lucio Reporter

Officials with the Alabama Department of Transportation held a public meeting to hear the community's concerns tonight. ALDOT Faces Tough Questions

Published: Thu, March 13, 2008 - 10:23 pm Last Updated: Fri, March 14, 2008 - 2:07 pm

Diana Lucio

Officials with the Alabama Department of Transportation say construction is back on track for the Highway 98 project.
After several delays caused by environmental issues, residents in the area want answers. During a public meeting at the First Baptist Church in Wilmer, community members had a chance to speak with ALDOT officials."We wanted to have a public meeting tonight here in this community to clear up some misinformation that's out there, to strengthen our communications efforts with people in this community," Said Tony Harris with ALDOT.
While Harris says the meeting is an effort to inform the public about the project, for some people it's going to take more than that.
"I hate to stand up and say I don't believe you, but I'm going to have to use that term," Said Larry Godfrey who asked officials about project plans.
While some hope ALDOT will uphold their promise to communicate with residents. Alvin Hutchinson says by trusting their efforts from here on, it will help get the job done."We understand we're going to lose some dirt and everything. And we all want to keep it to a minimum, you know everybody does...but let's keep the project going,"Said Alvin Hutchinson.

The Alabama Department of Transportation is still dealing with a lawsuit filed by Mobile Area Water and Sewer Service.
MAWSS contends the Highway 98 construction contaminated Big Creek Lake, which provides Mobile's largest drinking water supply.
Meantime, ALDOT is organizing a community outreach group to keep the community informed about the project.
You can find more information about the group here.