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2015 has been a very busy and productive year in Commission District 2 and Mobile County. Below are some of the 2015 event highlights:
* The Grand Opening of the Mobile County Fire Training Tower (financed through District 2 education funds) in the City of Semmes and the Semmes Fire Training Facility and emergency Response Center.* Mobile County approved the purchase of an additional 40 acres to the 400 acres already purchased in the Big Creek Lake Watershed as part of a mulit-million dollar wetlands acquisition project funded through a CIAP (Coastal Impact Assistance Program) grant.*U.S.S. Alabama Battleship Memorial Park celebrated the 50th Anniversary of the relocation of the U.S.S. Alabama Battleship to Mobile bay.*The Mobile County commission approved a 2.5% employee cost of living raise for FY 2014-2015, two months earlier than originally planned, based on improved revenue trends and cost control measures that contributed to the availability of an undesignated fund balance.* The Mobile County Recycling Center was hugely successful in its first 60 days of operation, receiving 588,000 pounds of recyclables in that time period. Since its opening, recycling volume has doubled in Mobile County.* The citizens of the Tanner-Williams Fire District approved an increase in their Fire District dues to improve fire protection and achieve better ratings through enhanced training and equipment.* Mobile County initiated a comprehensive feasibility-market study and business development plan for the proposed Mobile County Soccer and Aquatic Center Complex. Click Here to view the study.
* Mobile County was awarded a federal TAP (Transportation Alternatives Program) grant to construct a 10-foot wide multi-use sidewalk from Ed George Road to the Semmes Community Center.
* Mobile County, along with Goodwill Easter Seals of the Gulf Coast, was awarded the Community Partner Award from Partners for Environmental Progress (PEP) for the development and operation of the Mobile County Recycling Center.
* In June, several high-profile announcements were made regarding Airbus suppliers' plans for locating or expanding operations in Mobile including Hutchinson Aerospace, Messier-Bugatti-Dowty USA, Star Aviation and MAAS Aviation.
* An "Agreement in Principal" was reached relating to the BP Oil Spill by Alabama Governor Robert Bentley and Attorney General Luther Strange, which would provide $1.0 billion in unrestricted funds over 18 years to Alabama's General Fund. The Mobile and Baldwin County State Legislative Delegations and County Commissions expressed opposition to the state's claim. (My office sent a letter to the Governor requesting that a portion of the funds go to ALDOT to complete the long-stalled new U.S. Highway 98 projects. Click Here to view the letter.)
* September 14, 2015 was the long-awaited opening of operations at the Airbus U.S. Manufacturing Facility at the Brookley Mobile Aeroplex.
* Mobile County's FY2016 General Fund budget included a 2.5% salary increase for employees and also a $1,000 salary adjustment.
* In October, the commission approved a list of county-wide capital improvement projects to be paid through the issuance of $26.6 million in General Obligation Warrants. The strength of Mobile County's financial management, as noted by the S & P Report, reflects the county's strong budgetary performance and management and "strong financial policies and practices."
* The Mobile Government Plaza roof repairs to stop the leaking were completed and the commission approved a master plan for building renovations and refurbishments to begin in early 2016.
* The GulfQuest National Maritime Museum opened on September 26, 2015.
* Austal USA, Mobile County's largest private employer and major defense contractor christened the fourth LCS (Littoral Combat Ship), the USS Omaha, (LCS 12) at the Mobile Facility last week as Washington politicians now debate the future of the U.S. Navy LCS program.
2016 promises to be another year of progress and productivity in Mobile County. Thank you for allowing me to represent you on the Mobile County Commission. May you and your family have a very Merry Christmas and a healthy and Happy New Year!
Warmest Regards,
Connie
Old Shell road School of Performing Arts Choir Performance at Government Plaza
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2015 City of Semmes Christmas Parade
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NASCAR Press Conference
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Pictured from left to right with Commissioner Hudson are Tommy Praytor, Event Promoter; Randy Patrick, CBS Sportscaster & Master of Ceremonies; Victor Gaston, Alabama House of Representatives; Sarah Cornett-Ching, NASCAR Driver; and Danny Corte, Executive Director of Mobile Sports Authority.
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Austal USA Ship Sponsor Dinner for the Commissioning of the Omaha (LCS 12)
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Pictured from left to right with Commissioner Hudson are Dennis Hudson and Ray Mabus, U.S. Secretary of the Navy.
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