Alabama Governor Proposes 10-Cent Gas Tax Increase For Roads
February 28, 2019
Alabama’s governor is proposing a 10-cent per gallon gas tax increase.
Governor Kay Ivey on Wednesday announced her Rebuild Alabama Infrastructure Plan at a press conference, alongside a host of legislators, stakeholder groups and other state and local officials.
The Rebuild Alabama plan proposes a 10-cent increase in Alabama’s fuel tax with an index designed to coincide with the rising costs of building roads. The state currently imposes a flat excise tax of 18 cents-per-gallon on gas and 19 cents-per-gallon on diesel, without adjusting for inflation and other construction and maintenance costs.
This combined fuel tax revenue generates 80 percent of Alabama’s transportation funding. The plan’s 10-cent increase will be phased in over the next three years.
New revenue generated by the increase will be dispersed between state, county, and municipal governments in Alabama. These funds are to be used for transportation infrastructure improvement, preservation and maintenance projects. A separate portion of the revenues will go to pay a bond to be issued to finance improvements to the ship channel providing access to the facilities of the Alabama State Docks.
“My Rebuild Alabama Infrastructure Plan is a comprehensive approach to a glaring issue affecting citizens in every corner of the state,” Governor Ivey said. “After 27 years of stagnation, adequate funding is imperative to fixing our many roads and bridges in dire need of repair. By increasing our investment in infrastructure, we are also making a direct investment in public safety, economic development, and the prosperity of our state.”
A 2019 report by the University of Alabama’s Alabama Transportation Institute and Alabama Transportation Policy Research Center found that cars and trucks are putting approximately 69 billion miles on Alabama’s roadways annually, a 17 percent increase over the past 15 years.
With more travelers on the road, areas of congestion and public safety are a major concern. One-third of all traffic fatalities are estimated to be a direct result of a deficient roadway feature, according to the American Society of Civil Engineers.
State Representative Bill Poole has been instrumental in the crafting of this plan and will sponsor the Rebuild Alabama bill during the 2019 Regular Legislative Session.
“Today’s announcement is a major step in the right direction to improving Alabama’s infrastructure. I appreciate Governor Ivey for leading the charge and allowing me to help develop this plan,” Rep. Poole said. “A number of studies have concluded that Alabama’s aging infrastructure cannot continue to operate in its current state without severe consequences; these are simply facts we can’t ignore.”
According to TRIP, a national transportation research group, 30 percent of major roads and highways in Alabama are in poor or mediocre condition because of inadequate state and local funding. In 2015, Alabama’s roads received a D+ grade in a report card released by the American Society of Civil Engineers.
Ideally, county road resurfacing should operate on a 15-year schedule; yet, county governments are currently operating on a 56-year schedule. Additionally, a striking 1,200 bridges are classified as structurally deficient in Alabama, ranking the state as 17th in the nation. Even worse, counties should be operating on a 50-year bridge replacement schedule, but they are actually operating at a rate of 186 years.
State Senator Clyde Chambliss, who represents parts of rural Alabama, will carry the bill in the Senate.
“With one of the South’s biggest ports and the state’s growing economic development success, improving our poor infrastructure system allows us to remain competitive nationally and globally,” Sen. Chambliss said. “As a civil engineer, I applaud Governor Ivey’s efforts to address this pressing issue and look forward to working with stakeholders, from all levels of government, to ensure her infrastructure bill is successful.”
State government currently provides 40 percent of Alabama’s total transportation funding, while the rest comes from the federal government. However, increasing uncertainty about federal infrastructure funding has created a sense of urgency for states to have reliable funding sources.
Pictured: Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey on Wednesday proposed a 10-cent per gallon gas tax increase. Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Train Hits Vehicle In Brewton
February 27, 2019
There were no injuries reported when a vehicle was hit by a train about 5:40 p.m. Wednesday in Brewton (pictured above). Traffic was still being diverted around the stopped train at 6:30 p.m. (pictured below). Further details have not been released. Courtesy images for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Escambia County Attempted Murder Suspect Arrested
February 27, 2019
An Escambia County attempted murder suspect was arrested Wednesday in Dallas, TX.
Jeremy Alexander Bedgood is charged with attempted murder, aggravated battery, aggravated assault and violation of a domestic violence injunction.
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office responded to Lincoln Drive about 2:30 a.m. Sunday, February 24 for a report of shots fired. Deputies located a female victim with a gunshot wound and one who appeared to have been severely beaten.
ECUA’s Executive Director Retiring, Board Attorney Departing
February 27, 2019
The Emerald Coast Utility Authority’s executive director and attorney are both leaving in apparently unrelated moves.
Executive Director Steve Sorrell announced his plans to retire at the utility’s regular meeting on Tuesday.
“After 17 years, it’s time for me to take some personal time, be with my family and enjoy our RV, which has been in storage for the last year. It’s been a privilege and pleasure to work for and with the ECUA Board and staff. Together we have achieved great things,” Sorrell said.
Bradley Odom, ECUA’s attorney, told the board that he will not renew his contract with the utility when it comes due on March 31.
Odom has not provided a explicit reason for his departure, but Sorrell told NewsRadio 1620 Odom is leaving in relation to ongoing lengthy litigation related to an eminent domain case involving the Lewis Bear Company.
Sorrell said his departure is absolutely unrelated to Odom or a grand jury report.
In July 2018, a grand jury issued a report on an investigation into complaints and allegations involving the ECUA. That report was sealed by the court and has not been released.
Sorrell’s Retirement
Sorrell joined the ECUA in October 2002, and was a driving force behind several significant projects. These include the construction of the Central Water Reclamation Facility in Cantonment to replace the aging Main Street Wastewater Treatment Plant, the development of the Biosolids Composting Facility, the Materials Recycling Facility, and hundreds of water and sewer infrastructure projects.
At the ECUA board’s request, Sorrell has agreed to remain in his position for an as yet undetermined period to assist in the search for his replacement and the conclusion of key projects. A final departure date has not been set.
Prior to joining ECUA, Sorrell spent over 30 years in public service involving various positions in engineering, law enforcement, finance, city management and utility services.
Sorrell and his wife, Linda, have been married for more than 44 years and have two children and sxi grandchildren who all reside out of state.
Pictured: ECUA Executive Director Steve Sorrell at the opening of the Materials Recycling Facility in August 2016. NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
Cantonment Man Charged With Molesting Girl Under 12 Years Old
February 27, 2019
A Cantonment man is facing multiple felony child sexual abuse charges.
Daniel Aric McIntosh, 39, was charged with three counts of lewd and lascivious molestation of a child under 12, video voyeurism and showing obscene material to a minor.
On Monday, McIntosh allegedly cast a pornographic video to his living room television where a female less than 12-years old was eating breakfast. She told investigators that he left the video on the television screen while she got ready for school.
McIntosh showed investigators nude video recordings he had of the child he recorded through a crack in a her bedrom door as the child dressed, according to an arrest report. He also allegedly asked the girl to touch him inappropriately instead of receiving a spanking or other punishment.
The female told investigators that McIntosh had touched her inappropriately at least twice, including one time she woke up in her bed and McIntosh was standing over her touching her, the report states.
McIntosh is being held in the Escambia County Jail with bond set at $375,000. If convicted of the lewd and lascivious molestation charge, he faces up to life in prison.
Cantonment Man Charged With Robbing Same Store Twice
February 27, 2019
A Cantonment man has now been judged mentally competent to stand trial for robbing a convenience store, and now he’s facing additional charges for allegedly robbing the same store in 2016.
Napoleon Bonaport Grandison, 46, was arrested Monday for robbery with a firearm and battery for the armed robbery of a Circle K on Mobile Highway in July 2016. He entered the store wearing a black hooded sweatshirt, told the clerk he had a gun and demanded money, according to arrest report. He allegedly pushed the clerk down, punched him in his side and grabbed the cash register containing about $50. He dropped the cash register on his way out of the store and fled on a bicycle.
Grandison was identified by DNA evidence.
Grandison was previously arrested for robbery of the same store in October 2016. He is facing charges of two counts of battery on a law enforcement officer, robbery with a firearm, battery of a police dog, resisting an officer with violence and giving a false name to law enforcement. When deputies caught up with him a short distance away, he allegedly pushed two deputies off him as they attempted to detain him. He was also accused of kicking and striking a third deputy and physically placing his arm around the neck of and choking Escambia County K-9 Alek.
In early 2017, Grandison was found mentally incompetent to stand trial in that case, but now he’s been judged competent enough to stand trial with his next court date set for March.
Grandison is being held in jail with bond set at $378,000.
Jim Allen Elementary Names February Students Of The Month
February 27, 2019
Jim Allen Elementary School has named Students of the Month for February. They are Max Hall and Olivia Dunlap. Courtesy photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Tate Aggies Fall In Regional Semifinals At Tallahassee
February 27, 2019
The Tate Aggies’ run toward state ended Tuesday night with a 74-41 loss at Tallahassee Lincoln in the Region 1-8A semifinal.
Love Bettis had 16 points., and Caleb Young added nine to lead Tate.
This season, the Tate Aggies won their first district title since 2010 and a 21-9 record.
Pictured: Tate beat Tallahassee Chiles February 21 in a 59-58 thriller. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Baseball, Softball: Tate, Northview, West Florida
February 27, 2019
Here are high school softball and baseball scores from Tuesday:
BASEBALL
Tate 6, West Florida 6
Tate an West Florida played to a 6-6 tie in the 10th Tuesday night.
The game was tied at two in the top of the fourth when Raymond Lafleur hit a three-run homer to put the Aggies up 5-2 over the Jags.
Darrien McDowell led the Aggies at the plate going 4-6, with a double and run. Jackson Penton was 2-4 with a run, and Hunter McClean was 1-5 with two runs.
For West Florida, Dylan Reeves, Graham Hollan, Taylor Meacham, Austin Rider and John Leland recorded hits.
Tate will hit the road on Thursday for the Border War Tournament in Valdosta, GA.
(scores continue below photo)
Northview 7, W.S. Neal 1
The Northview Chiefs defeated W.S. Neal Tuesday in Bratt by the score of 7-1. The Chiefs will be at Milton Thursday at 6 p.m.
SOFTBALL
Tate 7, Pace 0
Tate 7, Pace 0 (JV)
Beauchanie threw a complete game shutout Tuesday night as the Tate Lady Aggies beat the Pace Patriots 7-0 in Pace.
Beauchaine allowed just two hits and walked three while striking out 13 for the Aggies. She was 1-4 at the plate.
For Tate – Amber Decoux, 1-3, 2R, RBI; Ryleigh Cawby 2-4, R, 2RBI; Madison Cawby 1-4, 2R; Gabby Locke 1-3, R; Cam Wolfenden 2-4, 2 RBI; Hannah Halfacre 2-2, R, RBI.
Tate will take part in the Panama City Tournament March 1-2.
Northview 4, T.R. Miller 3
Northview 7, T.R. Miller 4 (JV)
Northview’s varsity and junior varsity defeated T.R. Miller on Tuesday in Bratt. Up next, Northview varsity and junior varsity will be at Excel, AL, on Thursday.
West Florida 3, Milton 2
Both teams were strong in the circle Tuesday, but West Florida Jags Varsity defeated Milton High School 3-2. West Florida Jags Varsity pitchers allowed just four hits to Milton High School.
Prasad got the win for West Florida Jags Varsity. She surrendered two runs on four hits over six innings, striking out 10. Hudson took the loss for Milton High School. She allowed five hits and three runs over six and two-thirds innings, striking out one.
Wiley, Morgan, Klemm, Prasad, and Watson each collected one hit to lead the Jags. Kent scored on a passed ball in the 7th for the win. C Warrell led Milton High School with two hits in three at bats.
Pictured: Raymond Lafleur homers for the Tate Aggies Tuesday night at West Florida Tech. Images courtesy WEAR 3 for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Eight Arrested, Most On Drug Charges, During Atmore Traffic Crackdown
February 27, 2019
A traffic crackdown in Atmore netted eight arrests.
The Atmore Police Department and the Escambia County (AL) Sheriff’s Office conducted a one-day citywide traffic enforcement detail last Friday.
Police reported the following arrests:
- Joshua Hall- trafficking codeine, marijuana 1st, possession of controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia
- Roy Sanders – warrant from Baldwin County
- Frank Gulley – two warrants through Escambia County (AL)
- Aaron Lambeth – trafficking methamphetamine
- Jerrell Johnson – possession of controlled substance (meth), possession of drug paraphernalia
- Bethany Brooke Dumas – possession of controlled substance (meth), possession of drug paraphernalia
- William K. Cheeks – possession of controlled substance (kratom)
Christopher Moore – possession of marijuana
Additional officers on the streets of Atmore also performed numerous traffic stops for speeding, equipment violations and other moving violations.