Community Impact Assessment



Outside picture of the New Prichard Public Library, Prichard, Alabama.

Community Revitalization: Prichard, Alabama


Introduction

I-165 links I-65, which runs just north of Prichard, AL, to I-10 in Mobile, AL. In doing so, in connects one of the poorest communities in the Nation--Prichard--to the thriving port city of Mobile, AL. In the 1950s, local officials recognized the need to connect I-10, a limited access Interstate highway in downtown Mobile, with I-65, another limited-access Interstate highway to the north that accesses the interior of Alabama. When finally approved as part of the National System of Interstate Highways in 1980, this north-south road was designated as I-210. It was to be an elevated, four-to-six-lane highway extending from Mobile's waterfront at I-10 to I-65 at Prichard, some 6 miles to the north. This connecting road ultimately became I-165.

Although Mobile registered strong opposition to the proposed project, Prichard, just to its north, registered strong support for the project. Prichard strongly supported the project, believing that it would spur needed economic development.

The Players

Key Agencies and Groups Involved in I-165 in Prichard, AL:

  • Federal Highway Administration, Alabama Division
  • Alabama Department of Transportation
  • Two Consecutive Mayors of Prichard (over the course of the project)
  • The Design Advocacy Council
  • Officials of the Prichard Library and Fire Department
  • Prichard City Hall
The Mayor of Prichard sought out the project managers at the Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT) and the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), and proposed a partnership to ensure the project progressed smoothly. The Mayor proposed that Prichard be given a voice in the alignment and design of the project.

The road was ultimately built entirely different from that originally envisioned. Originally, project options included a bypass system around Prichard. However, the Mayor asserted his influence on the community and transportation officials concerning the benefits of going through the community, and the negative impacts on the community of a bypass option. In the end, all involved were satisfied--Prichard received its limited-access highway which spared its economy, while needed access to the interior of Alabama was provided from the port city of Mobile.


Introduction
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