[tredici]

Hello everyone. I was wondering what everyone's opinions on improving Alabama are. Don't even worry about how much something might cost, just toss ideas out there.

I've come up with a rough survey to see what people think, and I'd appreciate it if people would take the time to take it. A lot of it is about transit, cause IMO that is one of Alabama's biggest detriments. Anyways, if you think something should be added to the survey, tell me, cause I can still add things to it.

Click Here!!!!! (http://surveys.polldaddy.com/s/8DAE96569F76FD6E/)<-------- That's the survey!

Be sure you read all the question carefully. Some questions, you will be asked to choose more than one choice.

[Capital Heights]

Increase funding for public education and extend the school year by another ten days.

[nouveau_Mauvilla]

Yes, I agree about improving public education, but I don't know how adding ten days would help. Just stop waisting time in the classroom and give a better education. We also need to change the perception of Alabama in the mind of the general public (in the rest of the country/world). Make sure we have a diverse economy. And while we're at it, let's stop pumping cash into the pockets of good-for-nothings who choose not to work.

[SouthSky]

Transit- It would not only add more connectivity, it would enhance smaller, less-accessible areas in job creation. The big four would benefit from suburban connections. In Mobile, a rail/water ferry system would be something to look into in the long term and I can imagine the other areas having plans like a Birmingham-Tuscaloosa-Over The Mountain corridor.

Constitution reform - Obviously needed as ours is the longest in the world and is filled with antiquated laws and bureaucracy of epic proportions. Oh yeah, someone vote out that State Sen from Fyffe. That guy is awful.

Education - Another obvious need... especially in rural areas. I sincerely believe a lottery would be very beneficial to the school systems in the state.

---

I took that survey by the way.

[nouveau_Mauvilla]

:previous: And don't forget gambling.

[Colin Giersberg]

Not to sound negative about education, and I am not, but increasing the education budget, without increasing taxes will deplete the tax revenue going to the General Fund. This supports ALDOT, the prison system, state troopers, and several other agencies. Without these, the state may as well go down the drain. In fact, the General Fund has been the red-headed stepchild to education. I had heard that 90% of every tax dollar in Alabama goes to education, but I have no idea if that is correct.
Right now, all state agencies, as well as education are struggling to make ends meet, so other alternatives will have to be presented for funding education even more. If any funding measures do pass, they need to apply to the General Fund also.

Regards, Colin

[Electrical Porpoise]

Separation of church and state would be a nice start.

It all starts with education though.

[SouthSky]

Separation of church and state would be a nice start.

:fingerscrossed::fingerscrossed::fingerscrossed::fingerscrossed::fingerscrossed::fingerscrossed::fingerscrossed::fingerscrossed::fingerscrossed::fingerscrossed::fingerscrossed::fingerscrossed::fingerscrossed::fingerscrossed::fingerscrossed::fingerscrossed::fingerscrossed::fingerscrossed::fingerscrossed:

:eeekk:

---

I don't know about the rest of the state, but gambling would be a boon for the Mobile area, as it continues a chain of casinos from Bay St. Louis to Gulfport and Biloxi, east. Plus, the larger population mass in Mobile would attract more casino developers and tourists. With all the extra tourists, maybe then they could bulldoze the Regional Airport and start anew. :)

Unfortunately, all this relates back to the separation of church and state which won't happen soon. Legislating morality is a thorn in the state's side.

[tredici]

There will never be a separation of church and state though, lol. It'd be pretty impossible, considering that God's name occurs in many of our State and Federal founding documents.

Though, if you're talking about making sure the state government isn't a government based on a theology, I'm all for it. And, I'd gamble to say that at least our head head head leaders do an OK job of keeping a divide between their beliefs and the government. Save for them letting it influence how it shapes them as a person.

EDIT: Our legislature, however, is a completely different story. Our legislature is terrible when it comes to trying to keep religion out of the bills that come through Montgomery. Our representation is constantly trying to legislate based on their religious beliefs instead of what the people want.

[nouveau_Mauvilla]

I wish we could vote on whether or not to have gambling by county, then Mobile might actually get it. Can't you imagine a nice stretch of casinos along the Causeway? :tup:

[Electrical Porpoise]

Can't you imagine a nice stretch of casinos along the Causeway? :tup:the day i buy beer on sunday and drunkenly gamble will be the best day ever. :haha:

[Port_of_Bama]

Education !


I do believe that our area would draw in more tourist as far as gambling is concerned than any where else in the state.

[SouthSky]

Can't you imagine a nice stretch of casinos along the Causeway? :tup:

Yes... absolutely amazing. The site to the west of Battleship Park was once thought of as a casino site when Siegelman signaled he might put it to a vote.

I wish we could vote on whether or not to have gambling by county, then Mobile might actually get it.

If Mobile county voted, it probably would pass.

[TimCity2000]

the day i buy beer on sunday and drunkenly gamble will be the best day ever.

mobile doesn't have sunday beer sales???

[Port_of_Bama]

We do, I don`t drink.

[SouthSky]

mobile doesn't have sunday beer sales???

He lives in Tuscaloosa part time.

Mobile does not have blue laws.

[CottonCity251]

He lives in Tuscaloosa part time.

Mobile does not have blue laws.

You can't buy alcohol from 2am -12pm Sundays in Mobile.

[Rail Claimore]

The big four counties in the state are the only ones I know of that have sunday sales.

[SouthSky]

You can't buy alcohol from 2am -12pm Sundays in Mobile.

Oh yeah! I forgot about that. That rule doesn't exist during Mardi Gras, though... right?

The big four counties in the state are the only ones I know of that have sunday sales.

Several areas in Baldwin county have Sunday sales.

[Electrical Porpoise]

mobile doesn't have sunday beer sales???
I was just speaking about the state in general.

[tredici]

I think that either Florence or Muscle Shoals has Sunday alcohol sales at certain times at restaurants.

[buckett5425]

Hands down, the seperation of church and state would be the biggest improvement to the state.

[tredici]

BTW, I'll put out the results of the survey once a few more people have taken. So far, twenty have taken it. Even one from Canada, haha.

[TimCity2000]

gotcha... thanks for the clarification everyone.

[hmorgan]

A similar question was posed to Gadsdenites - How do we improve Gadsden? - many years ago. One businessman ranked these, from first to last: 1) fire; 2) flood; 3) earthquake. Perhaps these same ideals could apply, but just in strategically placed areas!

In all honesty, I think that in order to improve Alabama, we must first look at our most derelict cities. And by derelict cities, I mean Birmingham. Birmingham's biggest impediment is its educational system (this resonates over to the Black Belt, too). Why should I live in Birmingham, with its mediocre schools when I can go over the mountain or east and have top-quality schools? Colin Coyne of the Coyne group had a great suggestion - invest the $400 million of school sales tax revenue in T-bills or some similar low-risk investment, and begin an endowment where you would continue to have that money every 30 years for reinvestment. In my opinion, you cannot begin to improve the other problems affecting the state (except perhaps home rule and church/state) before you enhance the education system. (http://www.cnn.com/2009/US/06/18/bia.saving.desmond/?iref=mpstoryview)

Other things I would love to see in Alabama - of course, we're all a little more progressive than our peers - is passenger high-speed rail connecting Alabama's top ten/eleven metropolitan areas with Atlanta, Columbus, Pensacola, New Orleans, Jackson, Memphis, Nashville, Chattanooga, etc. If we cater exclusively to Alabama cities, it would fail. I remember looking up commute rates between Gadsden and Anniston. I expected them to be quite high, but if I remember correctly barely topped 1,000/day. That number could hardly justify any rail project, but if high speed rail connected our major cities and light rail ran throughout their respective metros, we might have something to flaunt. Just something as capital-intensive as this project would have a spillover effect in our economic vitality.

[| BRAVO |]

I don't believe in order to improve Alabama we need only to look at Birmingham or the Black Belt school systems. Granted, they are in shambles and desperately need a complete overhaul but Alabama's problems as a whole cannot be placed entirely on their shoulders.

I believe our biggest problem is our own negative perception and unwillingness to think progressive. I have lived a few different places and never experienced a state with such a negative point of view. We need some serious PR to ourselves. Regardless of what part of the state you live.

[tredici]

I believe our biggest problem is our own negative perception and unwillingness to think progressive. I have lived a few different places and never experienced a state with such a negative point of view. We need some serious PR to ourselves. Regardless of what part of the state you live.

You make a good point. Thinking progressive is a HUGE problem. In the "Huntsville Development News" blog, the point was made that Huntsville officials too often have a Madison County only, or Huntsville only mindset. Most officials are closed minded in the sense that they don't wanna think outside of the box.

I hear a lot of people on in this topic saying that separation of church and state would solve a lot of problems. Of course, we all know that on paper they are separated in Alabama (as far as laws and funding go), but the legislators too often insert their beliefs into the laws they create, to the point where many bills are quite bias towards only a their point of view.

Simply saying "get 'church' out of government" doesn't even begin to label what needs to happen. It's not "church" that needs to get out of government, it's the diction in the law that needs to be monitored in order for it to not be skewed in the direction of a religious belief, unless it is something like the freedom of religion and what not.

I hope everyone understands what I'm saying. I mean, honestly, I think it's ridiculous that people cite religion for reasons to not have gambling and alcohol consumption. I simply believe that "church" is welcome in government, as long as it remains in the sense of forming the good character of a politician an not in influencing their decisions on lawmaking.

I can tell you all right now, running into the street and yelling "separate church and state!" is not the way to go about fixing things. What we need is a comprehensive discussion to go forward in order for everyone to learn what parts of government church belongs.

Too often, politicians in the South forget that the opinions of the people come before the opinions of the church. We need to teach them that a balance can be found and worked out.

[hmorgan]

I don't believe in order to improve Alabama we need only to look at Birmingham or the Black Belt school systems. Granted, they are in shambles and desperately need a complete overhaul but Alabama's problems as a whole cannot be placed entirely on their shoulders.

I'm not saying that looking at Birmingham, etc. is the only thing we need to do, nor am I saying blame falls squarely on them. I simply meant that in order to improve the educational system, we must first look at improving the systems that are in the most dire need of repair.

[Bogue]

A couple personal observations:

I HATE the idea of putting casino's on the Causeway. That area is uniquely Mobile & I would hate to see it paved under in a tacky neon haze like some mini-Atlantic City. The only thing I want to see done on the Causeway is an elimination of that pink monstrosity. I'd prefer, though, that it be made into a large marina to fit the cultural and aesthetic perspective of that part of Mobile. There are plenty of other places in Mobile to build on. Preserving the amazing heritage of our great city should never take a backseat to questionable development.

I'm not an opponent of casino's in general, had Mobile been able to jump ahead of Biloxi/G'port on the issue I'd have thought it brilliant. It didn't happen. Time to move on. Plus, people have this really ridiculous notion that gambling will solve the problem. No, gambling is just a bandaid over a sliced carotid.... at best. Our primary issue w/ funding is that (A) our state residents don't want to pay any taxes while still expecting a level of service in line w/ that of places that pay much more than we currently do & (B) that our current constitution and the ridiculously outdated property/income/sales tax distribution that it creates is like a titanium ceiling preventing our state the ability of self-actualization. As a state we will never achieve what we are capable of while it is in place & we are at present taking it out on our most vulnerable citizens with these oppressive sales taxes.

badrock's post on the seperation of church & state was pretty good, IMO. I have no religious opposition to liquor sales or gambling, as those are questions of faith best left to the individual & their relationship with their religion. I've always found it silly that liquor is prohibited on Sundays when not even all Christian denominations celebrate Sunday as the Sabbath.

I disagree that Birmingham's biggest hurdle is its education level. Their problems there aren't any more dramatic than in other poor school systems all over the state. B'ham's are just amplified by the # of children involved.... though for Pete's Sake can someone explain subject-verb agreement to the school board? One of the JeffCoSB member was on TV a week or two talking about how "the schools is". It's all well and good to use whatever dialect you want at home but when you're representing "Education" ACT LIKE YOU HAVE ONE! I think B'hams biggest hurdle is poverty. All the rest of its issues spill off that like water off a ducks back. The absurdly high STD rates, poor or negligible parenting, high crime rate, & education woes are all either directly or indirectly related to that. The solution to that is not discernible as there probably is no one solution to fix the problem. It's going to take a lot of work on the part of local leadership.

And now my ideas on improving AL:

Infrastructure:

There needs to be serious work done here. Education is important, but in terms of advancing the capabilities of our state, improving the infrastructure is on even (or better) footing. Yes, I'm on record as saying it needs to be done responsibly. I think the idea of just throwing up extra lanes to alleviate congestion is a stopgap that only postpones an issue. You have to think long term in this area. Long term needs dictate that we need more freight rail capacity in this state so that we don't have to have as many trucks on the road (greatly increasing the wear and tear on said roads). the plans for HiSpd Rail are great. Plans for Light Rail would be better. I would dearly love to see commuter rail links between the Mobile A'port & (via the Eastern Shore communities) the Pleasure Island area. I'd like even more to see a cooperative effort between Mobile and P'cola to create a larger "International" airport somewhere in Baldwin County between the two not far from I-10. I think light rail from downtown B'ham to park & ride centers along 280 would help to alleviate a lot of bad traffic there, but they've got serious issues with sprawl now.

Education:

California is doing away with textbooks and going to a computer-based model of textbook distribution. This will save them a ton of money and result with their kids getting the latest textbooks & being more familiar with computers in an increasingly computer-based economy. Why is it that Cali can do this when they're as broke as they are and we can't? If we can't achieve it all at once there's no reason we can't phase it in over a few years.

I think that a means of cutting cost while improving education would be to go from the 8-3 M-F w/ 2 1/2 - 3 months off school to a 8-5 M-Th w/ 2 months off. Schools would save a lot more money than you think by being open one less day. They could funnel this money into infrastructure, supply, & personnel instead. Plus, it would have the added benefit of giving our teachers a 3 day weekend which might help us keep our teachers instead of hemorhaging them to better-paying jobs in our sister states.

My most radical idea on education;

Do away with the physical school. Think about it. The physical schools are the biggest cost with the millions it takes to keep up with the demand & maintain the structures. Right now more and more college courses are taught online. With voice recognition software and interactive education tools we are getting closer and closer to the point where the school is functionally unnecessary. You could even conceivably teach a better version of physical education to kids by using technology similar to that employed by the WiiFit. We already have every book in our libraries available for free online, thus proving our capability in the online arena. Why not phase out schools by offering a top-flight home-schooling program for free to the taxpayers of the state. Software can monitor to make sure that the student "attends" his/her classes and intuitive programs can, by way of quiz answers, discern patterns in students who need more instruction in a given area or take them onward to more advanced knowledge. What more impressive way to change the image of the state's education profile than to lead the entire developed world into the new education model. This also returns some authority on a child's education to its parent(s). Socially, you would almost totally eliminate bullying. The kids would be as safe as if they were in their own house (b/c they would be). The rapid passing of diseases from child to child would be greatly lessened, & (with some state funding for facilities) community-based groups could take up the slack on athletics and other afterschool-type functions. It even should ultimately cost less per pupil and our kids would be at the forefront of education.

[Port_of_Bama]

^^^ I agree with your post except for online schooling.

[tredici]

Yea, the online schooling I think is a bit too much. Now, if it's the AP distance thing that Alabama already does, I think that's appropriate. But, what if there is some glitch in the system? What if the system gets hacked? What if there is a power outage?

[phoenixboi08]

EDUCATION!
The AHSGE is a joke! Really, it's sickening to even look at that crap. And the fact that teachers are expected to pander to those "requirements" is insulting. Education has been reduced down to forcing students to recite facts not think.

However, the higher education system in this state is getting better and better.
I think UAB is THE vital link for revitalization of B'ham after the recession, considering Stem Cell research is now legal. Also, the Univ. of South AL. has been pushing to really improve.

If things continue, I can see the trend of the "best and brightest" leaving this state to go elsewhere, finally begin to fade.
You make a good point. Thinking progressive is a HUGE problem. In the "Huntsville Development News" blog, the point was made that Huntsville officials too often have a Madison County only, or Huntsville only mindset. Most officials are closed minded in the sense that they don't wanna think outside of the box.

I hear a lot of people on in this topic saying that separation of church and state would solve a lot of problems. Of course, we all know that on paper they are separated in Alabama (as far as laws and funding go), but the legislators too often insert their beliefs into the laws they create, to the point where many bills are quite bias towards only a their point of view.

Simply saying "get 'church' out of government" doesn't even begin to label what needs to happen. It's not "church" that needs to get out of government, it's the diction in the law that needs to be monitored in order for it to not be skewed in the direction of a religious belief, unless it is something like the freedom of religion and what not.

I hope everyone understands what I'm saying. I mean, honestly, I think it's ridiculous that people cite religion for reasons to not have gambling and alcohol consumption. I simply believe that "church" is welcome in government, as long as it remains in the sense of forming the good character of a politician an not in influencing their decisions on lawmaking.

I can tell you all right now, running into the street and yelling "separate church and state!" is not the way to go about fixing things. What we need is a comprehensive discussion to go forward in order for everyone to learn what parts of government church belongs.

Too often, politicians in the South forget that the opinions of the people come before the opinions of the church. We need to teach them that a balance can be found and worked out.

You absolutely right...and this makes me wonder why the people in office continue to get elected? OVER AND OVER....I think the little "scruffle" in congress awhile ago should have opened our eyes to the fact that many (not all) of our politicians are incompetent. Although, I do disagree with the notion that Alabamians do not think positive. I mean, look at the Tanker contract. They could have just accepted what happened but they didn't, although, I guess that's quite a different situation...

[nouveau_Mauvilla]

I disagree about online home schooling. School isn't purely just about learning facts and procedures. Children need the socialization that schools provide, something much harder to accomplish being stuck with your parent(s) all day every day. And, as someone else mentioned, the 100% online learning seems that it could potentially be unstable. Also, if you want to save schools money, than invest in smart energy consumption and use.

[Electrical Porpoise]

Children need the socialization that schools provide
no doubt.

a few more robert witts would also help.

[Bogue]

Fair enough if you disagree on the online school idea, I did say it was a radical concept.

I disagree completely that socialization can only take place at school facilities. For one thing, social interaction between young people increasingly takes place online. Those of you familiar with the world of the "Gamers" can see the high degree of interactivity between individuals that is the future of that area & how it could apply in other arenas. I also think that it's worth noting that not all social interaction that takes place at school is a positive for children. Bullying, peer pressure, & social stratification (cliques, etc.) can be MUCH more isolating than home school & can actually have a negative effect on a child's social achievement. Besides, studies already show there to be no major difference between home-school kids and public school kids on social skills. I did also mention that there's no reason athletics or other after school programs would have to be eliminated in order to homeschool... look at Tim Tebow, for an obvious example. Community sports organizations like city football and baseball leagues can cover that function just as easily while arrangements at community centers could be made to cover the rest. Social skills WERE taught in this country prior to the advent of mandatory schooling. All we would be doing is returning to the original model.

badrock, glitches & power outages are already represented in the current physical set up by teacher error (no one's perfect, not calling anyone out on that... Teachers end up w/ tons to grade) & by sick days & inclement weather. If you consider those last two issues akin to power outages then you just make up the time at a later date & have a setup that "forgives" a certain amount of missed time (like sick days kids already have). The system being hacked is a definite concern, but there's an awful lot of business, entertainment, & education conducted online safely. If a facebook app can correctly quiz me on the capitals of Europe why can't the state of AL? If the UA can give me a college algebra course entirely online why can't the state of AL do the same for HS math? Not only that but having the courses online would remove the sad disparity between the course offerrings given in wealthier/larger districts and those in poorer/smaller ones.

Nouveau, I was mentioning how schools could save money in some areas so that it could be put back into other areas, not so that it could just be saved & unspent. Just trying to be clear on that. We live in a state with finite financial resources & can't really hope to keep up w/ all the things we need to spend on in order to catch up to where we need to be w/o juggling things around or making some fundamental changes, but I agree w/ you completely that there's a lot that can be done in that area by way of more efficient building and maintenance policy. Thank you for bringing it up.

[tredici]

I hate online classes at school, they're always such a pain to deal with. Especially the way they do the math classes. It is so easy for you to fall behind and fail a math class because all of the coursework is done online, instead of on paper.

You raise a good point that teachers also have problems. But, the thing is that there are thousands upon thousands more students in elementary, middle, and high schools than there are in colleges, thus there are many more ways for the system to go wrong.

Having an integrated system that involves both online and classroom coursework is a good thing, IMO, but I do not believe that an online course has the same impact as a classroom course.

[philopdx]

Good evening all:

Forward
I am an Alabama native that relocated to one of the "bluest" states, so I can provide a critique from an outsider's perspective - provided you folks are willing to hear some "tough love". I contribute the occasional sardonic jest to the Alabama forums, but I will break from tradition and try to get my points across tonight in a wholly earnest way. Perhaps through my personal story and observations, you can extrapolate some of the larger issues at hand.

In sum, I'm the kind of person that Alabama can't really afford to lose, but lost anyway. Outside of burying my mother, I'll never come back.

Introduction
To provide you all some background and context, I'll furnish some biographical information. I was born at St. Margaret's, went to school at Dannelly, then Cloverdale, and finally Jeff Davis and graduated with the class of '95. I was accepted to AUM on full scholarship, and there I pursued a Business degree and graduated Magna Cum Laude.

I worked at some odd jobs in college, ultimately landing a clerical gig with Colonial Bank, whereupon I earned two rapid promotions to the loan audit team. Growing tired of the culture there, I impetuously moved to Birmingham to pursue a tech career. I had lived in Montgomery for 24 years!

I moved up the socioeconomic ladder working for a few firms and, in the process, was able to travel extensively for the first time. Knowing that my fate lay beyond the borders of the state, I moved to Portland, OR after securing a remotely-based position at my firm. I've now lived here three years and work for a local company downtown. I no longer own a car and rely on public transit to do everything, and using a zip car when I fancy a ride to the coast or the mountains, each a little over an hour away.

Observations
I have very, very strong memories of living in the South. There are a few recurring themes I encountered in my youth that I will examine, in no particular order. I'll make several posts, focusing on one theme at a time.

The first theme?

Fierce Pride In One's Own Ignorance
From being taunted at grade school for knowing what NAFTA meant to being ridiculed for believing in evolution or the ozone hole as an adult, one thing that seared my memory was people's ferocious pride in their own ignorance.

Whites and Blacks were equally guilty of this offense. It just wasn't cool to actually demonstrate knowledge and GOD FORBID if you used a "big" word. I remember clearly one time using the word "intonation" to describe the pitch of someone's speech and the TEACHER said "the hypotenuse of WHAT?” igniting a round of guffaws in the classroom and humiliating me into silence. I didn't forget.

I could give you dozens and dozens of examples in an array of social situations of being marginalized through peer pressure for articulating stances on evolution or climate change, or even discussing how delicious ethnic food is or expressing interest in world travel.

No matter the country discussed, the conversation always included a stern "But they HATE us over thar!!" and an OBSTINATE refusal to EVER consider traveling overseas. Even though they didn't know anyone from any of these nations, nor did any of their friends - they knew with 100% certitude that "they hate us over thar".

So, why does any of this matter? It matters because the state's leaders emulate their electorate. The attitude of "I don't know, I don't wanna know, I'm proud I don't know and you're a fairy elitist for wanting to know" is precisely the kind of leadership Alabama has had from top to bottom. Really, from Roy Moore to Fob James to Emory Folmar, they all berated people for deviating from a creationist, blue-law kind of worldview.

I won't forget reading about Fob James hunching across the stage like a monkey to illustrate his disagreements with Darwin. Of course, in a state filled with cars that have trunk ornaments of "King of the Jews" fishes eating smaller "Darwin" fishes, it's no big surprise that stunts like that earn substantial political mileage.

Now, the funny thing is, the pride in ignorance really only holds true on a macro level. People I knew in Alabama didn't take pride in doing a poor job, not knowing how their car works or not knowing who won the latest Iron Bowl. However, for instance, they took an immense amount of pride in not knowing - or caring - about the difference between Shia and Sunni Muslims.

They took PRIDE in not caring about the difference between Japanese, Chinese, Koreans or Thais; they all just fell into the same dog-eating "gook" category.

So why does it even matter? It matters because if you've got Japanese, Korean and German auto companies doing business in your state, doesn't it pay to be just a LITTLE curious about those cultures?

So, there you have one of the biggest reasons I fled west - to find a place where you weren't labeled a weirdo for exhibiting genuine curiosity in the world at large.

Unfortunately, it seems the old myth of assiduously avoiding the consumption of any fruit from the tree of knowledge is taken all too literally in the Heart of Dixie.

[tredici]

Wow... that was kinda insulting. Though, I'll put up with it because of your disclaimer ;)

I'd disagree with many of the points you raise, though I would be crazy if I said that what you describe does not occur, because it does.

There are MANY politicians that are so stuck in the past that they aren't willing to look to the future. The fact is that it goes both ways. Republicans are usually blinded by the conflict between science and religion, and Democrats are usually just so devoted to a cause that they can't see past it.

Anyways, I think that saying that Alabamians don't know the difference between different races, aren't open minded, and are just so blissfully ignorant that they just can't help themselves is completely incorrect.

When I was going through Elementary, Middle, and High school, it was frowned upon if you made poor grades. The cool kids weren't cool because of what they wore or what they did, they were cool because they were intelligent and were going to make something of themselves. NAFTA wasn't at the forefront of our minds, we were more interested in conflicts in Iran, Korea, and if there was going to be a civil war in Iraq. What if China becomes too powerful? What happens when they stop loaning us money? How do we protect ourselves from another 9/11?

My Senior year, our daily Government/Economics and Current World Affairs classes were constantly full of updates on issues from around the world, we knew what was going on, and how it was going to affect us.

I don't know the people that grew up with you, and teased you because you knew what NAFTA was, but they certainly weren't the people I grew up with. I was looked up to because I took joy in knowing about the world around me, and other people took notice and began to do the same thing.

So, Philopdx, while some of your claims are valid, I find most of the others most interesting, because I never experienced, and still don't experience, them. I am 20 years old, so obviously times have changed, maybe you should re-examine Alabama. I am proud to be one of the 4,600,000 Alabamians on this planet. If those 4.6 Million people are as ignorant as you say they are, I don't want to be educated anymore.

[Electrical Porpoise]

I no longer own a car and rely on public transit to do everything, and using a zip car when I fancy a ride to the coast or the mountains, each a little over an hour away.



Congrats. Geographical Darwinism. Bama wins again.



lFl40B4cmOI

[nouveau_Mauvilla]

Um, I'm gona have to go with Alab on this one.

Sure there were a couple of redneck d'bags in my class who flaunted their stupidity and laughed at their own racist jokes, but the majority of us were polar opposites of them. I have had open-minded religous discussions with my friends when we were freshmen. I was in acting with many of my friends and we performed many skits and musicals and the like. We all strived for good grades (cool kids, alternative kids, nerdy kids...). We would attempt to slip those dreaded "big" words into our conversations and often tried our parts at foreign languages.

I'm from Alabama born and raised. I love thai food and sushi. I drive an ULEV. My carbon footprint periodically goes down whole sizes. I am actively involved in the renaissance of my local downtown. I mean, I could go on, but I don't really think that it's necessary.

In parting, I can't speak for the whole state (especially many rural areas and areas up north) but these have been/are my experiences in Mobile.

[TimCity2000]

philopdx... your experience here sounds pretty unique. it seems that we're about the same age, and i've never encountered anything like what you describe on a widespread basis. sure, there are always a few people (in every state) that are ignorant, but you seem to suggest that such ignorance is epidemic here. i just don't see it. if that truly was your childhood experience, then i'm glad for you that you were able to escape.

[tredici]

I agree with TimCity. Everyone is going to have different experiences and different reasons to leave where they've grown up. It's just that honestly, I have never had the experience that Philopdx had. I'm quite sure I'm the youngest person in the Alabama genre of this forum, and I can tell you that my experience in public school was nothing like what you experienced, Philopdx. I grew up in Decatur, so obviously there are some cultural differences, so for all I know, what you're describing could be completely accurate.

I would tend to shy away from making a broad generalization about this supposed blissful ignorance and applying it to the entire state. Philopdx, you said yourself that you lived in Montgomery for 24 years, I think it's possible that the lack of a large change in venue could have had an effect on what you see in the people of this state.

[Brown Duckz]

There isn't a need to change the topic of this thread for our Portland friend. :D

He's just here every now and then to belittle our great state.

[OCA REP]

There isn't a need to change the topic of this thread for our Portland friend. :D

He's just here every now and then to belittle our great state.

LOL... I agree, BUT several things he posted were pretty true. I prefer not to leave, but to hang out here and attempt to make things better!

[Brown Duckz]

LOL... I agree, BUT several things he posted were pretty true. I prefer not to leave, but to hang out here and attempt to make things better!Some of the opinions were not completely off base, but the generally negative depiction of the state as a whole is simply assanine--as they always are from this particular poster.

[Strange Meat]

lFl40B4cmOI

:stunned:

[nouveau_Mauvilla]

Right, somebody has to stand up for our great state and give our experiences so as not to potetially give someone a false negative view of the entire Alabama.

FYI, I'm stickin' around, too. :yes:

[tredici]

As am I. I don't plan on EVER living outside of the state. I at one time considered leaving the state for my masters in Urban and Regional Planning, but I've decided that after I get my bachelors, I'm staying in Tuscaloosa :)

This is gonna sound silly, but I've always dreamed of becoming a billionaire, then contributing a lot of the money towards some enormous (probably mass transit) projects around the state that the cities wouldn't be able to handle by themselves.

[bystander1]

As am I. I don't plan on EVER living outside of the state. I at one time considered leaving the state for my masters in Urban and Regional Planning, but I've decided that after I get my bachelors, I'm staying in Tuscaloosa :)

This is gonna sound silly, but I've always dreamed of becoming a billionaire, then contributing a lot of the money towards some enormous (probably mass transit) projects around the state that the cities wouldn't be able to handle by themselves.

lol. Whether it sounds silly or not, I think a lot of us around here have had that same dream.

[SouthSky]

lol. Whether it sounds silly or not, I think a lot of us around here have had that same dream.

I think it's time to tell all of you that I am David Bronner. :yes:

You're welcome. ;)

[elb401]

. i'm moving to Orlando, FL in the next 2 months.....I'm not trying to get away from AL but I am participating in the brain drain. Better job opportunity that isn't present in Mobile and a masters at FSU (its online degree). I'm hoping to contribute to my hometown and return in a few years.

[nouveau_Mauvilla]

Good luck. I assume that you're going to come back with millions and pump it back into downtown (apparently much like our friend SouthSky), right? :tup:

By the way, speaking of that dream, does anyone else's involve winning the lottery? Just me?

[DallasTexan]

. i'm moving to Orlando, FL in the next 2 months.....I'm not trying to get away from AL but I am participating in the brain drain. Better job opportunity that isn't present in Mobile and a masters at FSU (its online degree). I'm hoping to contribute to my hometown and return in a few years.

You'll love Orlando. It's an amazing place outside of the tourist areas... and quite a bit more sane than Alabama ;)

[elb401]

ha I wish I could make that much money to pump into downtown. but I wont be giving back in that way. would be neat to see someone do that! yeah I'm excited about orlando. can't wait!

[tredici]

Birmingham

I like a lot of Larry Langford's ideas. There's just one problem. There are too many of them. The city needs to look at one BIG project that will unite city and county leaders so that they can work together. That type of unity can only help the city in the future. And when you have a county where the majority of the county's 600,000 residents aren't in the main city, you've got to have the unity or else that main city is going to wither and die.

I don't have any idea what a good regional project would be, maybe I'll come up with one later.

Montgomery

Keep the momentum up. There are great things going on in downtown, and these types of things don't respond well to a "wait and see" approach. I like how the city has kept things going. One after another, and it's working. People see constant activity and improvements going on in the city center and then they instantly want to visit it more and more to see what has changed. Eventually, you restore pride in the city and people are more inclined to spend their tax dollars in town.

Mobile

Mobile has made some great strides. Though, I think it could be doing much better. The Bay Area is made of two highly populated counties that are linked by very few roadways. The lack of linkages between the two shores is a major detriment to the city. You have a cultural hub in Mobile on one shore, and a high percentage of affluent citizens on the other. These two shores aren't linked well enough. That needs to change.

I would recommend putting major effort into getting ferry service going. You need to link cities that run the length of the Eastern Shore. We all know how long it takes to get from somewhere like Fairhope to downtown Mobile.

Huntsville

Focus on downtown. Too often, the city focuses on bringing business to the fringe of the city. This isn't necessarily bad, but it would help the city enormously to bring more business downtown. I realize, the city is doing a lot to bring more people downtown, but more needs to be done.

I've lived most of my life in Decatur, so you'd think that I'd be more familiar with things in downtown Huntsville. But, honestly, I can name more numerous interesting things in downtown Mobile, Birmingham, and Montgomery. I have a feeling that a lot of people also have this problem. No one knows what is in downtown, that has to change in order for anything to be successful.



That's the big four, I'll probably post some stuff for the other cities later.

[Port_of_Bama]

^^^ What a great rundown Alabadrock !

[bystander1]

Hmm, interesting points Alabadrock. I think you're right on target about unity in Birmingham. Animosity among cities is a killer...of projects especially. Some promising projects for Birmingham were killed in the legislature by representatives of its sister cities.

[SouthSky]

Mobile

Mobile has made some great strides. Though, I think it could be doing much better. The Bay Area is made of two highly populated counties that are linked by very few roadways. The lack of linkages between the two shores is a major detriment to the city. You have a cultural hub in Mobile on one shore, and a high percentage of affluent citizens on the other. These two shores aren't linked well enough. That needs to change.

I would recommend putting major effort into getting ferry service going. You need to link cities that run the length of the Eastern Shore. We all know how long it takes to get from somewhere like Fairhope to downtown Mobile.


I agree.

The funding the city received for the GulfQuest museum included money for a ferry terminal. It is bound to it, and if the city doesn't build a ferry service, the money will be returned. I don't see the city giving up that money. However, they will still have to build terminals in their Phase I destinations (Fairhope, Daphne, Gulf Shores I believe). The study plans for more terminals in Point Clear and Fowl River.

Here's some comprehensive studies/reports on the subject:

http://www.mobilempo.org/Mobile%20Bay%20Passenger%20Ferry/Passenger%20Ferry.htm

http://i26.tinypic.com/20zr88z.jpg

[Electrical Porpoise]

Mobile

Mobile has made some great strides. Though, I think it could be doing much better. The Bay Area is made of two highly populated counties that are linked by very few roadways. The lack of linkages between the two shores is a major detriment to the city. You have a cultural hub in Mobile on one shore, and a high percentage of affluent citizens on the other. These two shores aren't linked well enough. That needs to change.
Sounds great, but you can't do much.

A ferry is "cool" I guess, but doesnt bring much change - as far as numbers go. People complain about the Bayway and the traffic, but the truth is you can get from Baldwin to Mobile (stress free) almost all of the time.

Also, I wonder if the people that made that map in Southsky's post have ever been in the bay. The water south of the Fish River Reef is extremely shallow, around 4-6 feet.

[nouveau_Mauvilla]

Sounds great, but you can't do much.

A ferry is "cool" I guess, but doesnt bring much change - as far as numbers go. People complain about the Bayway and the traffic, but the truth is you can get from Baldwin to Mobile (stress free) almost all of the time.

Also, I wonder if the people that made that map in Southsky's post have ever been in the bay. The water south of the Fish River Reef is extremely shallow, around 4-6 feet.

A see a ferry as another opportunity for public transportation, another step to help us become less car-dependent down here. But yes, I've never had any big problems going over the bayway, and especially the causeway, unless there is a wreck or something.

At this point the plans are probably subject to change, but yes some areas it can get pretty shallow. Trenches? Flat bottom ferries? ;)

[SouthSky]

It is shallow. But you all should read their reports citing this exact depth issue.

I linked it above.

---

Yes, it won't do much in the grand scheme of things, but it will enhance connectivity.

[Electrical Porpoise]

A see a ferry as another opportunity for public transportation, another step to help us become less car-dependent down here.
No doubt. Dont get me wrong, I am all for it and I think it would be pretty cool.
It is shallow. But you all should read their reports citing this exact depth issue.

I linked it above.
Not sure where to start. Cliffs?


Yes, it won't do much in the grand scheme of things, but it will enhance connectivity.
Agreed. A city thrives on things you wouldnt immediately think of -- like a ferry service. Enormous projects are cool, but a lot of these "ferry projects" are what adds to a city.

[tredici]

The thing is, many people on the Eastern Shore don't travel to Mobile because they simply view it as too far. Or they think traffic will be bad. You have to realize how pessimistic people are. If there is even the slightest possibility of a hang up on the way, they'll STRONGLY reconsider.

Having these ferries would give people more options. And we all know that more options usually leads to less stress, when speaking about transit. The less stress people see involved with a commute, the more likely they are to travel.

[Electrical Porpoise]

The thing is, many people on the Eastern Shore don't travel to Mobile because they simply view it as too far. Or they think traffic will be bad. You have to realize how pessimistic people are. If there is even the slightest possibility of a hang up on the way, they'll STRONGLY reconsider.

Having these ferries would give people more options. And we all know that more options usually leads to less stress, when speaking about transit. The less stress people see involved with a commute, the more likely they are to travel.
Most of the time the actual trip across the water is probably the easiest part of the drive, especially if you go on the Causeway. It's the US 98's and 90's, and their 20 million traffic lights that slow things down. Aint no ferry out yet that's gonna change that.

The ferry will, however, be a of great use for weekend warriors, vacationers, and random sightseers.

[tredici]

Time for more of my epic recommendations!

Tuscaloosa

Keep doing what you're doing. Though, I would definitely try to promote the riverboat cruises more. I've been on one, and though I was in a pep band and didn't get to do much, I enjoyed it. Also, seek investors for tasteful construction along the river and create a boardwalk. The city needs to create another connection to the University other than University Blvd. The downtown renewal is going good and will probably lead to some good construction once the economy picks up.

Also, get the University to get more involved with the high schools in town. If there's one thing that Auburn University woops U of A at, it's the involvement in public education in the city schools.

Hoover

Y'all gotta do something to curb sprawl. Traffic is terrible. You reallllllllly need to embrace some kinda smart growth plan. Other than that, the city does a good job. If they aren't doing a good job, I don't know about it, cause I don't know much about Hoover.

Dothan

Shut up with your griping about wanting the interstate to go downtown instead of going through Slocomb, it's really annoying. Both Panama City, and the rest of the Wiregrass are waiting on you. Also, we need to see some more action in downtown. Get people involved, I don't think I ever read about any cool projects except for that massive Country thing south of town.

Auburn

Getting rid of AU would be nice, but since that isn't possible... You also need to embrace a smart growth plan. The city is growing at a rapid pace, so something needs to be done to regulate how that growth occurs. Other than that, the city does a great job. The University works well with the high school and other schools, which is very attractive for people moving to the state.

Decatur

Get the downtown streetscape projects finished, and also get the Calhoun/Athens State arts college downtown. Embrace the river more. The river is a huge asset to the city, and it doesn't take advantage of it like other cities do. Oh, and work harder on getting 565 extended towards Decatur.

Madison

... no comment?

[Electrical Porpoise]

Time for more of my epic recommendations!

Tuscaloosa

Keep doing what you're doing. Though, I would definitely try to promote the riverboat cruises more. I've been on one, and though I was in a pep band and didn't get to do much, I enjoyed it. Also, seek investors for tasteful construction along the river and create a boardwalk. Completely agree. I would love it it the city focused on the river. I know it isnt easy to do, but a small collection of restaurants and bars on the river (connected to the riverboat) would be great.

[dfwtiger]

1. Increase funding for education....k-12 and universities/colleges. No reason that UAB, Alabama, Auburn and so on should not be ranked higher other than our lack of real support for these schools.
2. Mass transit
3. Do a better job selecting those who represent the state in Washington. This is our big public face......and so far...many of our elected officials reinforce many of the old stereotypes about Alabama. Can we get some new leadership?

[Bogue]

I sometimes think the level of stress people assume about going across the bay is really overstated. I lived in dowtown Fairhope for a year (2 blocks from the bayfront) and went to visit friends in downtown Mobile all the time. No matter the time of day I usually made it in about 30 minutes which is about right for the distance involved. I'll give that an accident on the Bayway could increase the time, but if you usually just take the Causeway instead it was very rare for you to encounter heavy traffic & the drive is also a bit more scenic... esp. in the early morning.

I like the ferry plans, though. Getting to Gulf Shores is a nightmare no matter where you start your trip. Getting from Robertsdale to Gulf Shores can take longer some days than getting from Point Clear to Mobile. It would be nice if there was another way to get there.

I am a bit curious as to where they would put a terminal in Point Clear as most of the shoreline is taken up by all those beautiful houses or the resort and there's not much point to having a Point Clear terminal if you have one in Fairhope... not much distance and very minimal traffic on scenic 98 between the two. I would hope the ferry would dock at the Fairhope Pier. Love that area. The most amazing sunsets in the world, imo, are in perfect view from it.

Not sure what the links to Fowl River are for... Is there a lot of potential traffic from there to the East Bay? Seems a bit random to me.

[Bogue]

"The thing is, many people on the Eastern Shore don't travel to Mobile because they simply view it as too far."

Never encountered this... at all... ever. I think it's more a function of those communities already having a facsimile of the things available in Mobile, just like most suburbs. Really why go to Bell Air when you can go to the ESC or to one of the stores in Daphne or Spanish Fort? They still come to Mobile to get the things not available on their side (like decent nightlife) or that are cheaper here.

I agree w/ badrock on the need for another connector to the UA in Tuscaloosa.

[tredici]

I have no doubt that you know what it is actually like to travel between the Eastern Shore and downtown. I even know that it isn't very stressful if you go at the right time of day. What I'm saying is that A LOT of people in Baldwin County are these new growth transplants types, not all of them JUST moved there, but a lot of them still have the same attitude. How I view them is that they view it as a distant location, and thus, don't go.

I have many friends in Spanish Fort, and very rarely do they make it to Mobile, simply because it SEEMS distant.

[Port_of_Bama]

^^^ true and it isn`t.

[nouveau_Mauvilla]

I have no doubt that you know what it is actually like to travel between the Eastern Shore and downtown. I even know that it isn't very stressful if you go at the right time of day. What I'm saying is that A LOT of people in Baldwin County are these new growth transplants types, not all of them JUST moved there, but a lot of them still have the same attitude. How I view them is that they view it as a distant location, and thus, don't go.

I have many friends in Spanish Fort, and very rarely do they make it to Mobile, simply because it SEEMS distant.

I back this 100%. I don't mind going over the bay what-so-ever, but friends of mine almost never venture over unless out of necessity.

Was just thinking about the ferries. Where ever they dock in Gulf Shores needs to focus on becoming a nice, walkable area, its own "downtown" kind of place. Think about going over there without a car- not very pedestrian friendly as a whole. Something to consider.

[tredici]

Ok, I've decided to announce the results of the survey!

I'll list only the top answers.

Here goes:

Q.1 Which of these areas show the most potential for a quick recovery from the recession?

1) Mobile-Bay Area 21 (29.2%)
2) Huntsville-Decatur 21 (29.2%)
3) Birmingham-Central AL 11 (15.3%)
4) Auburn 8 (11.1%)
5) Montgomery 5 (6.9%)

Q.2 Which of these transit methods should be expanded the most?

1) Railways 25 (78.1%)
2) Roadways 4 (12.5%)

Q.3 Which four areas do you expect to experience the most growth between 2010 and 2030?

1) Mobile-Daphne-Fairhope 26 (25.5%)
2) Huntsville-Decatur 23 (22.5%)
3) Auburn-Opelika 16 (15.7%)
4) Birmingham-Hoover 16 (15.7%)

Q.4 Which city do you expect to be the largest (population) by 2030?

1) Birmingham 15 (46.9%)
2) Mobile 8 (25%)
3) Huntsville 7 (21.9%)
4) Montgomery 2 (6.9%)

Q.5 Pick four road projects that you consider the most important.

1) Birmingham-Northern Beltline 16
2) Mobile-Bayway/Mob Riverbridge 14
3) Huntsville-Extend I-565 East 12
4) Birmingham-I-20/59 Big Dig 12

Q.6 Choose 4 areas that would benefit most from advent of a passenger rail corridor.

1) Birmingham-Hoover 29
2) Huntsville-Decatur 28
3) Mobile-Daphne-Fairhope 26
4) Montgomery 22

Q.7 If a passenger rail system were to be constructed, which type of system would be the most successful?

1) 4 Largest Cities Linked Together 13
2) 3 Hubs With Spokes to Regional Urban Areas 9

Q.8 What are Alabama's 4 biggest drawbacks?

1) Education 26
2) Leaders 25
3) Politics 22
4) Transportation 16

[Brown Duckz]

Kinda seems like a popularity contest.

I'm not a believer of Birmingham being the largest city @ 2030. Mobile & Montgomery both have a good chance of catching up.

[DruidCity]

The survey results were interesting. My own guess is that the Huntsville area will lead the growth/recession recovery/largest city population categories.

[tredici]

Well, this isn't a social, monetary, or educational improvement, but it's improvement nonetheless. It's always good to report that fewer people are losing their lives in the state!

http://blog.al.com/spotnews/2009/12/state_efforts_cited_as_fewer_d.html

According to the Birmingham News article, yearly traffic fatalities have dropped by at least 300 since 2006. This is the third year in a row that the state has seen a reduction in the amount of traffic fatalities.

The most notable things that have been done to make the roads safer are the overall quality of the roads, ie: the surfaces have been made much more smooth which allows for greater control over the vehicle and actually as an effect on the efficiency of your car. Also, the "great wall of wire" that I'm sure a lot of us know about in Cullman County has greatly reduced the number of crossover deaths along I-65.

Also, when resurfacing occurs, 2 feet of roadway is added to each lane, something that has been most obvious on the interstates. Can't forget the re striping that the state has also done. Apparently, it helps to actually know where your lane is.

Also, new alliances have been formed between ALDOT, the Department of Public Safety, and the Alabama Trucking Association. Another obvious ones are the blitzes that troopers do on various holidays and during peak travel times.

The Trucking Association has been helping by using truckers to spot drivers who are driving unsafely around 18 wheelers.

The Department of Public Safety also placed 300 troopers on the highways for 24 hours during traffic blitzes.

Also used were cars called "batmobiles" which enable officers to test blood alcohol levels in the field. This has allowed for an increase of 900 DUI arrest this year.

For the past three years in trooper investigated wrecks:

2006: 805
2007: 784
2008: 620
2009: 518

[huntsvillefan]

How about an update on the survey. Interesting so far.
Alabama needs to get rid of that ridiculous constitution. Why can't this be done? It seems so simple and yet...

[Dyingyak]

How about an update on the survey. Interesting so far.
Alabama needs to get rid of that ridiculous constitution. Why can't this be done? It seems so simple and yet...

I think most people who understand the situation with the constitution would, and do, support reform. The PARCA held their Annual Meeting this weekend and had a snippet on the constitution.

http://parca.samford.edu/parca2/newsletters/winter2010.pdf

[huntsvillefan]

I think most people who understand the situation with the constitution would, and do, support reform. The PARCA held their Annual Meeting this weekend and had a snippet on the constitution.

http://parca.samford.edu/parca2/news...winter2010.pdf

36% "no opinion" and 15% "fine the way it is". How can the public be more engaged? This is really important for Alabama and unless the public insists on reform, politicians will continue as usual.

[tredici]

So, today, the Alabama Senate approved the $1 Billion bill for highways, roads, railroads, etc... transit stuff. It's supposed to be taken out of the state's trust fund that gets money from royalties that the state gets from offshore drilling. The bill must still go through the House and then be approved during the general elections in November by the voters.

I'm interested to hear what everyone thinks. I'm not sure how I feel about it. I mean, I'm usually against outrageous spending, but in this case, the money is actually already there and in existence. I think I would be much more supportive of this if we could see a list of things that the legislature wants to do with it. Specifically, I'd like to know how much of the money they want to spend on each thing.

Anyways, what's everyone else think?

[Dyingyak]

So, today, the Alabama Senate approved the $1 Billion bill for highways, roads, railroads, etc... transit stuff. It's supposed to be taken out of the state's trust fund that gets money from royalties that the state gets from offshore drilling. The bill must still go through the House and then be approved during the general elections in November by the voters.

I'm interested to hear what everyone thinks. I'm not sure how I feel about it. I mean, I'm usually against outrageous spending, but in this case, the money is actually already there and in existence. I think I would be much more supportive of this if we could see a list of things that the legislature wants to do with it. Specifically, I'd like to know how much of the money they want to spend on each thing.

Anyways, what's everyone else think?

Haven't read the legislation yet so I can't speak to specifics of it, but I do agree that our surface infrastructure needs vast improvement. I just hope the money is spent wisely (which is a stretch in this state) and the projects are equitable. I will probably end up voting for the resolution this fall at this point unless there is some dramatic change in the House version or I learn of how it might be more detrimental to the state.

[tredici]

I'm just hoping that a substantial portion of it is spent on mass transit. We have the roads, we just need the correct kind of transit on them. Some money towards the basework for a train route or two would be amazing.

[Dyingyak]

I'm just hoping that a substantial portion of it is spent on mass transit. We have the roads, we just need the correct kind of transit on them. Some money towards the basework for a train route or two would be amazing.

I wouldn't count on much of it going to transit. Matter of fact, if they money is distributed through ALDOT I'm sure +95% will be to the road infrastructure. ALDOT has the "we only do roads" mentality. Just look at the Southeast High Speed Rail Commission...ALDOT is not the Alabama rep, ADECA is.

[jmanhsv]

I wouldn't count on much of it going to transit. Matter of fact, if they money is distributed through ALDOT I'm sure +95% will be to the road infrastructure. ALDOT has the "we only do roads" mentality. Just look at the Southeast High Speed Rail Commission...ALDOT is not the Alabama rep, ADECA is. _B

There is an amendment (passed in the 1950s) in our beloved state constitution that says that state transportation funding can only be spent on roads and bridges. Joe McInnes (ALDOT director) has publicly stated that he likes it that way, and it's not going to change while he's in office. Good thing is, he's leaving next year...

So it's very doubtful that this billion-dollar "plan" (which probably won't do anything except build a "Lowell Barron Expressway" around Fyffe) will have any funding for mass transit. However, I thought I read somewhere that a small percentage of funding will be earmarked for short-track railroads. Someone can check me on that.