News and Events for District 2 - Connie Hudson, County Commissioner

March 16, 2011 
District News and Events

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MESSAGE FROM COMMISSIONER CONNIE HUDSON

 

Hope everyone is enjoying the beautiful Spring weather! March has been a month of unexpected and disappointing news for Mobile County and the City of Mobile. As you are well aware, the Defense Department's Air Force aerial refueling tanker contract was awarded to Boeing instead of the European Aeronautic Defense and Space Company (EADS) and last week, Carnival Cruise Lines announced plans to move the cruise ship Elation, to New Orleans in mid-October.  

 

Currently, talks continue between the State, the County and the City with EADS officials to encourage the company to move forward with construction of an aircraft manufacturing facility in Mobile. With future U.S. Department of Defense contracts at stake, EADS recognizes the importance of having an operational aircraft manufacturing facility in the U.S.  

 

At this writing, the Mobile Cruise Task Force, which organized in 2002 to recruit the cruise industry to Mobile, is in the process of reorganizing to secure another cruise line for the Mobile Alabama Cruise Terminal. The County will certainly assist this effort in every way possible.

 

Congratulations to Austal USA for being awarded a $4 billion contract by the Defense Department to build 10 additional Littoral Combat Ships in Mobile. Austal USA will add another 1,800 plus employees to their workforce to become the largest private employer in Mobile County. That's great news for our regional area! The $5 billion investment of ThyssenKrupp Steel in our county will also provide tremendous value-added benefits to Mobile County as a source of jobs and revenue far into the future.

 

While there will always be contract wins and losses as our state and region compete in the global arena, the progress to add jobs and improve the quality of life for all Mobile County citizens will most certainly continue!

Happy Saint Patrick's Day


WILMER VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT GETS ASSISTANCE  

 

The Wilmer Volunteer Fire and Rescue Department recently received $20,000 in funding from County Commission District 2 for assistance with the purchase of a used engine/pumper truck. The purchase, according to Deputy Chief and Board President Bill Donovan, will replace their back-up 1968 engine/pumper truck that is unreliable and will not hold water while not in use. The main engine/pumper truck is currently awaiting mechanical repairs, and the newly purchased back-up pumper will allow the main engine to be out of service for the necessary repair work.

 

DISTRICT 2 ROAD  

PROJECTS UPDATE

 

District 2 road projects are moving along toward completion. A summary follows:

 

*John Shinn Road- Mobile County Project Number MCR-2004-205

Currently under construction. 99.9% complete.

 

*Cody Road- Mobile County Project Number MCR-2006-010

90% complete.

 

*Jeffrey Road and Wiggins Lane- Mobile County Project Number MCR-2008-203

Began work in January. 60% complete.

 

*Mack Hinton Road- Mobile County Project Number MCR-2008-204

Project is in design and bidding is anticipated to begin in early spring, 2011.

 

*Ziegler Blvd- City of Mobile and ALDOT Project

Forest Hill to Athey Drive 60% of design completed. Schillingers Road to Cody Road 40% of design completed.   

 

*Old Shell Road- Mobile County and ALDOT Project

Anticipating completion in late April. 95% complete.

 

Update: County funded road projects in the City of Mobile 


Road projects in the city limits of Mobile, paid for through the Mobile County Pay-As-You-Go Program, are tentatively scheduled to start construction as early as May, according to Nick Amberger, City of Mobile Engineer. 

 

Click Here to view a complete list of the streets within the city limits of Mobile that are included in the PAYGO program using Mobile County PAYGO funding.


COUNTY FINANCES AT A GLANCE

 

According to Michelle Herman, Mobile County Finance Director, the 12/21/2010 budget report reflects revenue and expenditures for the first quarter of fiscal 2011. Through December we collected 23.83% of budgeted revenue. During the first quarter we expended 20.12 % of general fund budgeted expenditures. Click the link below to view a budget report showing expenditures through January 2011.

 

General Fund Budget Report 


ALDOT OFFICIALS VISIT MOBILE TO HEAR TOP INFRASTRUCTURE PRIORITIES  

 

The newly appointed Director of the Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT), John R. Cooper, along with the ALDOT Chief Engineer Don Vaughn, and ALDOT Division 9 Engineer Vince Calmetti, met with County Commissioners and County Engineers last week to discuss short- and long-term county road improvement projects.

 

The discussion included a review of a 2008 agreement in which ALDOT pledged to reimburse the County for $34 million in road projects in exchange for the county's support of ThyssenKrupp incentives of the same amount.  

 

County engineers also requested assistance from ALDOT with the long-range plan to construct a western corridor from Bayou La Batre through West Mobile providing improved access to I-10, the Mobile Regional Airport and U.S. Highway 98. The project would include widening and improving existing roads and the construction of two new segments of connecting roadway. 

  

Division 9 Engineer Vince Calmetti gave an update on the status of the proposed Mobile River Bridge. Currently, documents are being finalized for submission to the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) for a modified route across the Mobile River. A public hearing will be scheduled toward the end of 2011.  To get more information about attending this public hearing Click Here. Information will be posted at this site as it becomes available. 

  

The last phase of the Highway 98 improvement project is underway. The connector for the roadway is being designed; the next steps include environmental surveying, review by the FHWA, and the purchase of right-of-way. ALDOT expects to begin construction of the connector in early 2012 with a completion date of late 2013 for all phases, which include:

 

* Big Creek Lake Bridge extension will begin in the spring of 2011.

 

* The Glenwood Overpass and the Connector (which will connect Schillinger to the end of the Big Creek Lake Bridge) phases are expected to begin in late 2011.

 

* The final phase is a base and pave project that is expected to be completed in late 2012.

 

SEMMES INCORPORATION EFFORT STATUS  

 

Great progress has been made in reaching the goal of incorporating Semmes as the newest municipality in Mobile County. A group of individuals were sworn in by Mobile County Probate Judge Don Davis to serve as enumerators for collecting census data in Semmes, as required by Alabama law. This has been a door-to-door effort to collect the information required. The census is virtually complete and the information will be submitted to the Probate Judge. Upon submission to the Judge, he will have three days in which to issue the formal Order of Incorporation which will legally form the new city of Semmes. Helen Joyce, a member of the Committee to Incorporate Semmes, anticipates that this will be accomplished near the end of April. At that time, the Probate Judge will proceed with arranging for local municipal elections.   

 

AUSTAL USA JOB OPPORTUNITIES

 

Austal USA, the shipbuilding facility located on the east side of the Mobile River is currently aggressively seeking to employ new apprentices for aluminum fabrication and welding, marine carpentry and cabinet-making, engineering, and electrical mechanics. Apprentices receive uniforms, safety equipment, power tools, and classroom instruction as well as on-the-job training. The U.S. Department of Defense recently awarded Austal USA a $4 billion contract to build 10 additional Littoral Combat Ships.

The company is currently ramping up its workforce to add approximately 1,800 more jobs. For more information regarding employment opportunities at Austal contact the Austal Human Resources Department at hr@austal.com or Click Here to view a current list of available jobs.

DISTRICT TWO

SPRING CALENDAR


MOBILE BAY DOG TRAINING CLUB ANNUAL AKC AGILITY TRIAL


When: March 18 - March 20
Where: Jon Archer Center, 1070 Schillinger Road North, Mobile

Local residents and their canine companions are invited to watch the Mobile Bay Dog Training Club (MBDTC) hold its annual American Kennel Club Agility Trial this weekend. Dogs of all sizes and breeds will compete in agility exercises and obstacles. Judging begins at 8 a.m. each day. Click Here for more information on the MBDTC.

 

9th ANNUAL SEMMES AZALEA FESTIVAL

 

When: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday March 19

Where: Mary G. Montgomery High School, 4275 Snow Road North, Semmes

 

The Semmes Azalea Festival, which will benefit the Semmes Boy's and Girl's Club, features an azalea bush sale, the 2nd annual Azalea Festival 5K Run, a bike decorating contest and parade, the "CruzIn" Car Show, vendor booths from local businesses (offering everything from plants to jewelry to birdhouses) and other activities for the whole family to enjoy. Entertainment and food will be provided. To participate in the bake-off please contact Barbara Jennings at 490-9751. 

 

For more information Click Here or call the Semmes Azalea Festival Chairperson Terri Nelson at 649-3163.

 

AMERICAN RED CROSS GUMBO COOK-OFF


When:11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Saturday March 19
Where: Bienville Square, Downtown Mobile

Teams of professional and amateur chefs will battle it out to see whose gumbo recipe tops them all. Tickets are $10.00 in advance and $15.00 at the gate. Kids 10 and under get in free. The Gumbo Cook-off is sponsored by Verizon Wireless and the United Way. Proceeds benefit the Alabama Gulf Coast American Red Cross.

For more information, log on to www.redcrossalcoast.org or contact Joe Kennedy at 544-6146 or publicsupport@redcrossalcoast.org.

 

7th ON THE HILL BENEFITING THE DISTINGUISHED YOUNG WOMEN PROGRAM


When: 11 a.m., Sunday March 20
Where: The Mitchell Center,
2195 Mitchell Center Dr.

This New York style fashion show production is a chance to mingle and network while raising money for the Distinguished Young Women program (formerly America's Junior Miss).

Cost: $250 VIP Front Row Seating $65 General Seating. Call 438-3621 for more information.

 

MCPSS TAX RENEWAL

VOTE SET FOR MARCH 22

 

When: Tuesday March 22  

Where: Voter Precincts  

(Click Here to view your voting precinct)  

 

Voters will be asked to renew some of the existing taxes that support public schools at a special election set for March 22, 2011. The taxes are not new, but require a vote of the people in Mobile County every 20 years for continuation. Click Here to view a Q&A that provides facts about the re-approval vote.

 

For more information on the issue, contact Linda Ingram with the Committee for Children at 476-0002 or Click Here to visit an information website.

 

PROVIDENCE HOSPITAL FOUNDATION'S 18th ANNUAL FESTIVAL OF FLOWERS

 

When: March 24 - March 27 

Where: Providence Hospital Campus, 6801 Airport Boulevard, Mobile, AL 36608

 

The Festival of Flowers is acknowledged as the premier flower and garden event of the greater Gulf Coast. It is arrayed under tent and sky with over 300,000 square feet of exhibits that enchant, entertain, and educate visitors at this feast for all the senses. One-day passes are available for $10 while children under 13 get in free of charge.

For more information or to purchase tickets please call 639-2050 or Click Here.

 

MOBILE ASSISTANCE LEAGUE HOSTS 'PHASIONS' FOR PHILANTHROPY


When: 11 a.m. Saturday April 2
Where: Corpus Christi Church Banquet Hall, 6300 McKenna Drive, Mobile

The upscale fashion show and luncheon will feature celebrity models on the runway. Moderators for the event are Mimi Gwin of Metzger's and Nancy Pierce, Communication Supervisor for the Mobile County Public School System. Also featured will be a performance by well-known and talented Mobile musician Paula Broadwater. Door prizes and a silent auction are included.
All proceeds will benefit the Assistance League (AL) of Mobile's philanthropic programs. In 2010, more than 5,000 men, women, and children were served by AL of Mobile.

Click Here for more information on the League's community programs. Tickets are $35 each and can be purchased by calling 251-661-7917 or 251-533-2741.

 

SILVER CLASSIC 5K AND FUN RUN/WALK   

 

When: 8 a.m , Saturday April 16

Where: Mobile Regional Senior Community Center, 3201 Hillcrest Road

 

The Silver Classic, sponsored by the non-profit MRSCC Foundation, benefits the Mobile Regional Senior Community Center and includes a certified 5K course and one-mile Fun Run/Walk. There will also be fantastic door prizes, a health fair, an art show, line dancing and exceptional food and beverages from sponsors provided after the race. Register by mail or in person at McCoy Outdoor in Mobile or Running Wild in Fairhope or online at www.Active.com. You may also register the day of the race.

 

Silver Classic Registration Form 

 

RAINFOREST EXPERIENCE COMING TO THE EXPLOREUM

 

When: April 16 - April 23
Where: Mardi Gras Park, located at the intersections of Government and Royal Streets in Downtown Mobile, courtesy of the City of Mobile and Mobile County.

The animals of the Rainforest are coming to downtown Mobile and you're invited to experience them! The show features more than 20 endangered or exotic animals including Bengal Tigers (including a white one), a Capuchin Monkey, and a Ringtail Lemur. The Rainforest Experience will coincide with the ongoing Giant Insects exhibit at the Exploreum, presenting a tremendous value and hours of family fun.

Show times for Rainforest Experience will take place 10 a.m., noon and 3 p.m. Monday- Friday; 11a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. Saturdays and 12:30 p.m., 2 p.m. and 4 p.m Sundays. Tickets may be purchased through the Exploreum box office only. Online or advance tickets will not be sold.

For further information and ticket cost, please call 208-6852.

 

For more information on City of Mobile calendar events, please Click Here.   

SPOTLIGHT ON COUNTY SERVICES

Each edition of the District 2 E-Newsletter will highlight an area of service, service agency, or a county service that is predominantly funded by the Mobile County Commission.

 

MOBILE COUNTY

PRESCRIPTION DRUG DISCOUNT PROGRAM

 

The Mobile County Commission's Prescription Drug Discount Program, Coast2Coast Rx, has saved local residents more than half a million dollars in its first eight months of operation through discounts on prescription drugs and some medical procedures. The card is offered to all residents of Mobile County including residents of all municipalities within the County -- regardless of income, age or health status.

The Coast2Coast Rx Card, covering 60,000 prescriptions, saved local users 53 percent from May to December of 2010, for a total savings of $540,485.

"It's a win for everyone," said Commissioner Connie Hudson. "It is especially helpful for the uninsured person or those facing high insurance deductibles."

Participating pharmacies will register new members of the Coast2Coast Rx Card at no cost, and no deductibles are applied. For a list of participating pharmacies where you can sign up for membership in the program Click Here.

Everyone is qualified for the discount card membership and parents or guardians may obtain the discounts on prescriptions for their dependents under the age of 18 years. The cards cover a wide range of medications, including pet prescriptions, and some imaging and lab tests.

 
Connie Hudson, Distric 2 County Commissioner; district2web@mobile-county.net Office: (251) 574-2000

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