A voice from Alabama ’ s 67 counties
Josh Harvill , CEA
Chambers County Engineer President , Association of County
Engineers of Alabama ( ACEA )
Q
How has the conversation about infrastructure investment in Alabama changed over the last few years ?
A
In my county engineering career , there has always been a need for additional funding for county infrastructure . The ACCA has helped county commissioners and county engineers deliver that message over the last few years better than any other time since I ’ ve been in county government . Whether it is communicated through community meetings , commission meetings , local media or social media – our message is as clear as it has ever been .
The question today is not whether we need additional funding ; I think most believe that we do . From my
perspective , the conversation has moved to “ Are we , as taxpayers , willing to pay for it through an increase in taxes ?” and “ Would we , as taxpayers , want our legislators to develop a temporary or a long-term solution ?”
Q
ACEA has taken a leadership role in the push for increased road and bridge funding in our state . What are members focusing on this summer ?
A
County engineers are always planning . We will continue to keep our plans updated and be in position to deliver projects quickly if additional funds are appropriated , but education will be our primary focus . We are educating our citizens and legislators on the role county highway departments play in our state ’ s transportation system and “ telling our story .” At the same time , we are also explaining the impacts we face if we continue to deny our communities the funding needed for local infrastructure .
Q
County commission seats are on many ballots this year . What can a county engineer do to build a good working relationship with a newly-elected commissioner ?
A
Communicate effectively and invest time with the commissioner . I ’ ve learned so much about county engineering from those who have preceded me . One tool I have taken from other counties and implemented in Chambers County is a “ Highway Department Introduction .” Some counties accomplish this through a manual , but we utilize a PowerPoint presentation that introduces commissioners to laws that govern the expenditure of gasoline tax dollars , our chain of command , transportation plan , work-order system , interdepartmental rules and policies , etc . Most importantly , I encourage county engineers to spend as much time as possible with the commissioners . Give them as many opportunities to communicate their concerns to you while getting to know you and vice versa .
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