Alabama Dams receive a Grade of "D". How safe are you?

by: Janet Kynard, It Happens in Alabama 

Just moments ago, the Alabama Forestry Commission announced:

 “Communities across the nation will benefit from a $262 million investment to rehabilitate dams that provide critical infrastructure and protect public health and safety. The 2014 Farm Bill increased the typical annual investment in watershed rehabilitation by almost 21 fold, recognizing the critical role of these structures in flood management, water supply, and agricultural productivity.” 

I wonder how much Alabama will see of this. In a report from the American Society of Engineers, “Dam Safety in Alabama” Presented during an information session of the ASDSO Southeast Regional Conference on April 16, 2014, it was reported that Alabama is the only state in the country without a state dam safety program; therefore the condition of nearly 160 dams is unknown. If that don’t scare the heck out of you, I don’t know what will! I live at Lake Jordan. The beautiful, historic town of Wetumpka is just 9 miles down the Coosa River from me. If our dam failed, Wetumpka would get hit with something near a tsunami.

 The report continues with:

        Alabama Dams are Aging and Un-inspected

               •Over two-thirds of the Alabama dams in the NID are more than 30 years old.

               •Based on inspections reported in the NID, only 19% of high-hazard-potential dams in Alabama have been inspected in the past five years and only 2% of all dams.

               •There is a very high likelihood that undetected rusted spillway pipes, embankment erosion, etc. of older and un-maintained dams will cause a dam failure incident.

                •It is also highly likely that development of areas downstream of dams has increased the population at risk from a dam failure.

        If a Dam Does Fail, Alabama Dam Owners are Unprepared and Emergency Officials Lack Information to Respond. 

The report also warns that Alabama has nearly 200 High Hazard Dams, of those only 37 have an EAP and those are owned and/or regulated by the Federal Government. 

We do have a House Bill that is to address this issue, House Bill 610, was introduced on March 18, 2014 by State Representative Mary Sue McClurkin, Republican District 43, with Representatives Mike Hill, Republia 41 and Kurt Wallace, Republican District 42 as co-sponsors. As of today the bill is to be addressed during this 2014 Regular Session. Since the March 18^th reading of the bill, there is no reported updates and currently no roll call votes are recorded for this bill. 

From a review of the dams in Alabama, during 2013, the American Society of Engineers gave us a grade of “D”. So I ask you, how safe do you feel?

 

Click Here to read the full report

Major Jobs and Careers Available in Alabama

Alabama has just announced two huge contracts that will bring hundreds of new jobs to our state. European jet manufacturer, Airbus, will build a $600 million facility in Mobile, AL and Commercial Jet, from Miami, will invest $12 million to open a new facility in Dothan, AL. As a spin off from this there will also be $2.5 million Aviation Training Center in Fairhope, AL to train workers. This will open up thousands of new jobs in Alabama, from the construction phase to staffing the facilities.

 

This is very exciting for the growth of our state and the growth of opportunities for our citizens. Think of the larger picture. More money and people in an area means more money to spend in the local economy from the convenient store to restaurants, from florists to housing.

 

It sounds like this great job opportunity is so far in the future, right? Well, not so much. . I have been doing some research and have great news.  There are OPEN JOBS ALL OVER ALABAMA RIGHT NOW!!!! Here are your links to apply for a position in Alabama’s new Aviation Industry: http://www.commercialjet.com/employment.html  and http://www.aidt.edu/jobs 

 

Benefits include: Benefits Summary: • Medical insurance program • Dental insurance program • Prescription drug program • 401K tax-saver program • Flexible work schedule • Company Paid Life Insurance • Long Term Disability Insurance • Paid holidays • Paid vacations • Paid sick leave • License premiums • Refer a friend for $$$ • Direct deposit available.

 

Here are some of the areas where work is available: Clanton, Tuscaloosa, Mobile, Gadsden, Selma, Bridgeport, Tanner, Dothan, Cherokee, Sunny South and Montgomery.

 

Check the site for more areas. One important note to make: Some of the windows close on accepting application in May, others run through the end of the year. You’ll just have to take a look at the list. This is a site that you will want to bookmark and check regularly as some positions only have a 30 day window to get your application in.

 

The positions run the full gamut. They need everything from pipe fitters to accountants, from maintenance workers to translators, administrative assistants, store clerks, HR, and avionic supervisors.    

 

I hope I have been of help to you or someone you know. With the high unemployment we have had for the past several years, please share this with all your friends. They may not be the one looking but may have a friend or family member that is looking.