Credit: David Castillo/Bullard Center for Environmental and Climate Justice
For more information, please see the Bullard Center.
A significant event unfolded recently in the Shiloh community, marking a hopeful turn in their prolonged six-year battle against a devastating flooding crisis. On April 3 Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, along with leaders from the Federal Highway Administration, made a critical visit to the area, engaging directly with the residents who have long sought assistance for their dire situation.
The visit highlighted the adverse effects of the 2018 expansion of Highway 84, where stormwater management has directly impacted the Shiloh community, leading to significant property damage and loss.
Buttigieg’s presence underscored the federal government's commitment to addressing the community's challenges. "I wanted to see that for myself because we are engaging the State Department of Transportation on how they can best take care of these residents,” Buttigieg stated. “And I want to make sure that I can go back to Washington with good information to look at how we can use all the different tools in the federal government to try to help back these people up."
Buttigieg emphasized that the community's requests for basic infrastructure improvements, such as fire hydrants and safe access routes, are "not luxurious requests" but fundamental necessities. "These are basic and they ought to be able to have those things,” he said. “That's part of why I'm going back motivated to make sure we're using all of the tools we have as a department."
The community's struggle has not only been a battle with nature but also with feeling neglected and unfairly treated. The state's response, offering minimal compensation or buy-out options, was criticized for not recognizing the deep generational ties many have with their land. “I think that's where the state needs to provide alternatives that are going to take care of them,” Buttigieg said. “It's an environmental issue. It's a public health issue."
This visit sparked a wave of optimism among the residents and leaders like Pastor Timothy Williams, who described it as "monumental" and a "blessing." As the community looks forward to meaningful solutions, Buttigieg's commitment to leveraging federal resources beyond transportation to address the crisis marks a pivotal moment in their ongoing fight for justice and safety.
Also in attendance were Dr. Beverly Wright, Founder of the Deep South Center for Environmental Justice at Dillard University, and “the Father of Environmental Justice,” Dr. Robert Bullard, who spearheaded this fight for his hometown of Elba, and Jocelyn Travis, who made the trip from Birmingham to attend on behalf of Sierra Club.
Learn more:
- Federal transportation leaders visit Shiloh community
- In Alabama Visit, Buttigieg Strays Off The Beaten Path. Will It Help Shiloh, a Flooded Black Community?
- Alabama accused of 'highway robbery' following flooding of predominantly-Black community
- Highway Robbery in Alabama by Ben Jealous
- Shiloh Flooding a sign of Environmental Racism?
- Father of Environmental Justice and Sierra Club Leaders to Visit Elba, Alabama Flood-Damaged Black Shiloh Community