As ALDOT prepares to construct the drainage improvement project on the historic black community of Shiloh in 2026, some residents can't help but feel like they've been here before.
The dump trucks, red clay, drainage improvements, and rain reminded many of Shiloh of the construction that occurred during the expansion of the US 84 lanes in 2018. This construction was the catalyst that initiated years of flooding for Shiloh residents.
Not only were Shiloh residents reminded of the expansion that began it all, but they were also reminded of the inadequate drainage mitigation work performed by ALDOT in 2019, which was completed only six months after the expansion. Residents report that the years of persistent flooding that occurred after the 2019 drainage work began affected them physically, emotionally, and mentally. The flooding impacted homes, businesses, and the overall well-being of Shiloh residents.
The biggest question asked by many was whether or not this new drainage improvement project would be permanent.
Pastor Timothy Williams, a Shiloh resident and community leader, spoke of his feelings after yesterday's (July 13, 2026) rain event.
"Shiloh Community Drainage Project rain event yesterday was déjà vu. It reminded me of the 2018 flood events during construction that happened then and now it's happening all over again, especially with the red clay and water running all over the place. When will we get back to that normal place? This is so stressful and mentally draining because this stuff is happening all over again. It's a total mess out here, and it's going to get worse."
The déjà vu feeling that many Shiloh residents awoke to this morning is a feeling best described by Mr. Williams. He, like many other residents, has been through nearly eight years of uncertainty and stress regarding their beloved community being permanently impacted by years of unrelenting flooding. Shiloh residents are hopeful that this newest drainage improvement project will provide the much-needed permanent solution, while at the same time remaining wary of yet another attempt at mitigating the effects of the flooding that has all started with a lane expansion in 2018. Shiloh residents deserve a permanent solution that will finally put an end to their decades-long nightmare of flooding concerns and uncertainty. They deserve transparency regarding the drainage improvement project and how it differs from past projects that didn't provide the permanent solution Shiloh needs. Shiloh residents deserve accountability from everyone that has contributed to their years of ongoing distress due to recurring instances of flooding that negatively impacted their community, their homes, and their businesses. In summary,
the drainage improvement project that ALDOT has planned for Shiloh in 2026 seems like "déjà vu all over again" to many residents. Shiloh deserves a permanent solution to their flooding concerns, transparency from those responsible for these recurring instances, and accountability for the years of distress they have caused.
To hear what Pastor Timothy Williams has to say about the ongoing construction, visit https://youtu.be/1WdZFO-fLdo.