A long road, but Tuscaloosa on path to recovery post-tornado
Tuscaloosa storm damage April 2011
It was just one day. But the deadly tornadoes that struck on April 27, 2011 not only dramatically altered Alabama’s landscape, they also changed the people who experienced their incredible fury.
Four years later, NewsCenter is remembering that day – and looking forward – with reports from four communities hit hard by the tornadoes. Our second report is from Tuscaloosa.
After witnessing the 5.9-mile-long path of destruction left by the tornado that tore through his city on April 27, 2011, Mayor Walt Maddox knew Tuscaloosa would never be the same.
Fifty three lives were lost that day. More than 4,200 homes were destroyed, and 421 businesses were damaged or destroyed. Also damaged or destroyed were the city’s emergency management department, its environmental services department, Fire Station No. 4, and the police department’s east precinct headquarters. Families were displaced and churches were gone.
Crews positioned for tornado recovery, April 2011.
But like many cities and towns after April 27, the Tuscaloosa community united and began the long road to recovery.
“I continue to be impressed by the way community members in Tuscaloosa work together to rebuild lives uprooted by the April 27, 2011 tornado and lend a hand to neighbors in need. Citizens of Tuscaloosa have a spirit that is contagious,” said Maddox.
Soon after the tornado, it became clear that Tuscaloosa needed a comprehensive approach to ensure the recovery process was successful. Through community workshops, steering committees and work groups, Tuscaloosa established a unified vision and plan for the future. After four years, what was dubbed Tuscaloosa Forward is coming into fruition.
“This generational plan guides Tuscaloosa’s path of recovery and will continue to evolve to meet our community’s needs,” said Maddox.
To date, the city has invested $140 million in recovery projects, with most of the funding coming from federal grants. Much of the infrastructure improvements to the water and sewer systems, and to roads are coming from federal coffers.
Businesses strive for full recovery
While Tuscaloosa is working to improve its infrastructure, businesses are continuing to rebuild and reopen. Over the past four years, the city has issued more than 2,400 residential building permits and more than 350 commercial building permits.
Perhaps the most significant changes are taking place in Alberta City, an area east of the University of Alabama campus that was hit especially hard by the tornado. A new fire station and police precinct in Alberta City are now complete, along with a new Alberta School of Performing Arts. Community leaders gathered recently to cut the ribbon on the school’s playground – an emotional moment for many in the neighborhood.
In the Forest Lake neighborhood, where the tornado made a starkly clear, destructive path on its way through town, homes and businesses have been rebuilt. Also under construction is City Walk, a walking and biking trail that will ultimately connect neighborhoods throughout Tuscaloosa.
After seeing the loss and destruction of April 27, many Tuscaloosa residents worried whether the city would ever recover. But the experience of the past four years has many in the community believing that Tuscaloosa is on the path to a future that will make their city better than ever.
– Anna Catherine Roberson
