National environmental group, Bullard Center tour flooding-prone Shiloh Community; working towards solutions this year
ELBA, Ala. (WDHN) — The Sierra Club, the nation’s oldest, largest and most influential grassroots environmental organization joined in with the Texas Southern Bullard Center and Shiloh Community residents for a ‘Journey to Justice’ tour.
It’s the first sign of help on a national level the community has seen so far.
“Our goal today is to make sure our 6.5 Million members of supporters are aware of the environmental injustice happening here in Shiloh,” said Emily Gorman, the South Regional Field Director of the Sierra Club.
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Community members say they have been experiencing environmental injustice since 2018 when Highway 84 was expanded and elevated.
“There was no reason for this highway to be built like this it was engineered in a disrespectful way there is no example in any area on this highway that has been treated so disrespectfully like here and its because its a black community,” Dr. Bullard said.
They were able to show and demonstrate to national leaders how the water from the state highway goes through the pipes that they believe are intentionally turned onto their community — continuing to make the historically black area a dumping bowl for the last six years.
“Somewhat surprising to see and hear stories from residents I saw the coverage, but its nothing like seeing it for yourself,” Gorman said. “They are facing such a serious set of circumstances, the gas line next to the home, the track of flooding that covers this entire property area.”
It’s causing damage to their homes and one resident who has lived in the area for over 40 years has stacked barrels next to each other and bricks to stop the water but that doesnt work.
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Gorman said they work in states all across the many and many people in these situations are not as distinct, passionate, determined, and actively working with multiple resources like the Bullard Center to address the issue.
Therefore, she sees a road to justice for the Shiloh community and Doctor Bullard said that road will be going through Washington to get justice this year under this administration.
“We need to make sure that resources are available for the relocation of pipelines and as well as flooding in terms of highways in rural areas we need to take advantage of that and Alabama is applying for funds no money should be left on the table,” says Dr. Bullard.
Dr. Bullard said he will bring this discussion up to President Biden and the U.S. Department of Transportation.
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