US 98 Community Outreach Group (COG) Meeting
November 2, 2009

• Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT) personnel provided the Community Outreach Group with summary of the status of the lawsuits
o Mobile Baykeeper Lawsuits Settled.
o ALDOT and MAWSS continue discussion, but no settlement reached to date.
• ALDOT presented a slide presentation of aerial photographs of the completed project.
o Current 8 mile section grade and drain work complete, except for minor amounts of sediment removal required based on ADEM requirements.
o No date for Big Creek Bridge Extension project at this time.
o ALDOT reevaluating geotechnical and construction methods for 158 connector project; Thompson Engineering selected as new contractor for design work. Plans should be complete in 12-16 months, however construction schedule will depend on funding.
o No letting date for intersections at this time.
• The project is secured with fences and gates, except where access is required for existing residences. Un-permitted access and vandalism along project has improved with the security.
• Group discussed increasing traffic congestion issues and illegal use of turning lanes for passing and merging. Decision to initiate a “Take Back our Highways” campaign and increase patrolling and enforcement.
• Guest speaker, Larry Godfrey, discussed the Wilmer Community Action Group and invited COG members to attend meeting on November 3, 2009.