Facebook Twitter Youtube

On The Issues

Fixing Eufaula’s Roads & Ending Chronic Flooding

The Problem:

Eufaula’s infrastructure is in crisis. Decades of deferred maintenance have left roads riddled with potholes, while outdated drainage systems turn moderate rains into neighborhood floods. The 2023 ALDOT report ranked Barbour County among the worst in rural road conditions, and residents in areas like Forrest Hills and Lakeview Heights routinely deal with flooded streets after storms.

The History:

  • Neglected Maintenance: Previous administrations prioritized short-term patches over long-term fixes, leaving Eufaula with a $12 million backlog in road repairs (per 2022 city audit).
  • Flooding Hotspots: Aging drainage systems—some dating to the 1960s—can’t handle increased rainfall. The Dent’s Branch watershed floods repeatedly, damaging homes and roads.
  • Water System Risks: Boil-water advisories in 2021 and 2023 exposed aging pipes. Eufaula’s water loss rate (30%) is double the state average due to leaks.

The Plan:

  • “60-Day Pothole Blitz”: Deploy crews to fix every major pothole on priority routes (Eufaula Ave., N. Eufaula Blvd., and school bus routes).
  • Drainage Task Force: Partner with the US Army Corps of Engineers to map flood zones and fast-track fixes in Dent’s Branch.
  • Grant Applications: Secure funding through:
    • Alabama Transportation Rehabilitation and Improvement Program (ATRIP)
    • FEMA’s Hazard Mitigation Grant Program

Long-Term Solutions:

  • Road Resurfacing Schedule: Prioritize 10 miles/year using a data-driven system (worst roads first).
  • Modernize Water Infrastructure: Replace 5 miles of failing pipes annually using USDA Rural Development grants.
  • Stormwater Utility Fee: Create a dedicated fund (like Dothan’s) to maintain drains without raising property taxes.

Accountability: Live-updating “Eufaula Works” dashboard showing repair timelines and costs.

Bringing Jobs Back to Eufaula

The Problem:

Eufaula’s workforce is shrinking. Young people leave for Dothan or Columbus, and our small businesses struggle. Per 2023 Census data:

  • Barbour County’s median income ($36,200) lags behind the state ($54,900).
  • 15% of storefronts downtown are vacant.
  • Tourism potential is untapped—Lake Eufaula generates $150M/year elsewhere but minimal local investment.

The History:

  • Lost Industries: Textile and manufacturing jobs disappeared in the 1990s; replacements never came.
  • Missed Opportunities: Nearby cities (like Opelika) attracted auto suppliers; Eufaula lacked a coordinated strategy.
  • Tourism Stagnation: Despite having Alabama’s largest lake, our events (like the Bass Trail) don’t capitalize on visitor spending.

The Plan:

Short-Term Wins:

  • “Eufaula First” Local Business Grants: Use COVID relief funds to offer $5,000 matching grants for storefront upgrades.
  • Bass Trail Expansion: Work with the Alabama Department of Conservation to add 2 new tournaments/year.
  • Job Training Hub: Partner with Wallace Community College to offer free CDL, welding, and nursing certifications.

Long-Term Growth:

  • Targeted Industry Recruitment: Market Eufaula’s I-85 access, rail, and industrial parks to:
    • Food processors (using local agriculture)
    • Warehousing/logistics (near the Port of Mobile)
  • Downtown Revitalization:
    • Façade improvement tax credits
    • Pop-up shop program for empty buildings

Accountability: Annual public report on jobs created and grants secured.

Safer Neighborhoods & Youth Investment

The Problem:

  • Crime: Property thefts rose 22% since 2020 (Eufaula PD data).
  • No Youth Centers: Parks like Lamar Porter Park are underused due to poor upkeep.
  • Housing Crisis: 40% of renters pay over 30% of income on housing (2022 HUD data).

The History:

  • Underfunded Police: Eufaula PD has 10% fewer officers than peer cities.
  • Closed Rec Facilities: The Eufaula Community Center shut down in 2018 due to budget cuts.
  • Slumlords: Absentee landlords exploit lax code enforcement in areas like Orange Avenue.

The Plan:

  • Community Policing: Add 4 officers focused on walking patrols in high-crime areas.
  • Youth Jobs Corps: Pay teens to maintain parks and assist seniors.
  • Affordable Housing:
    • Rehab abandoned homes using the Alabama Land Bank Authority.
    • Strict code enforcement on slumlords.

First 100 Days: Reopen one rec center and hire a housing inspector.

Closing the Digital Divide

The Problem:

  • 30% of rural Barbour County lacks broadband (2023 FCC data).
  • Students at Eufaula Primary struggle with hotspot-based learning.

The Plan:

  • Partner with C Spire to expand fiber using BEAD grants.
  • Install free Wi-Fi zones at City Hall and libraries.

Transparent Government

The Problem:

  • No public project timelines.
  • Citizens can’t track complaints.

The Plan:

  • “Report It” app for potholes/graffiti.
  • Quarterly town halls in each district.