Probate Judge Hardy McCollum reflects on Tuscaloosa’s progress since April 27, 2011
A shopping center in Tuscaloosa in the aftermath of April 27, 2011. (Contributed)
Five years ago, Tuscaloosa was a much different place, said Tuscaloosa County Probate Judge Hardy McCollum. The EF4 tornado that roared through the metro area left scars visible today. “I pass them every time I ride to work,” McCollum said. He also sees a community determined to rebuild and flourish.
McCollum attributes cooperation between government, education, industry, volunteer agencies and citizens for the area’s remarkable recovery. “The entire community came together as never before,” he said. The results speak for themselves.
Judge Hardy McCollum remembers April 27, 2011 from Alabama NewsCenter on Vimeo.
By the end of 2016, Tuscaloosa County’s population is projected to have increased by about 30,000 residents in just three years, according to the Chamber of Commerce of West Alabama.
McCollum celebrates the arrival of new industry, students, shopping and improved roads.
“We’re now the state’s No. 1 county for capital investment,” he said. Mercedes’ announcement of a $1.1 billion expansion was the biggest in the state’s history. Samvardhana Motherson Group, an automotive supplier, will build a $150 million facility employing 650 new hires. Enrollment at the University of Alabama is approaching 40,000.
All of this growth has been answered by more shopping options for Tuscaloosa residents. Dick’s Sporting Goods, Fresh Market, World Market and Chuy’s Tex-Mex are just a few of many businesses that have recently opened in Tuscaloosa. Cranes and construction crews are busy throughout the metro area.
The good news of Tuscaloosa’s growth is tempered by the storm’s lingering effects. “That tornado started here in Tuscaloosa County and stayed on the ground for more than 80 miles,” McCollum said. “The wounds have healed but scars remain. Even our EMA office was destroyed on April 27, 2011.” In many ways, Tuscaloosa had to start over from scratch.
McCollum said the city and county are much better prepared to respond to future emergencies. Cooperation between government, residents, volunteer agencies and the University of Alabama has been streamlined and improved dramatically. “I’ve never been prouder of our community,” he said.
