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Federal Highway Officials Reach Agreement With Alabama Over Claims It Discriminated Against Flooded Black Residents

Summary

The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) has reached an agreement with Alabama's transportation department over claims that a highway expansion caused flooding in the historically Black community of Shiloh. The agreement proposes two drainage improvement plans but does not address the role of race or restrictive covenants limiting residents’ ability to seek compensation. Despite ongoing Title VI complaints about racial discrimination, federal officials did not reach a conclusion on the matter. Community leaders, like Pastor Timothy Williams and Robert Bullard, criticize the agreement’s failure to acknowledge systemic racism. Alabama must now submit progress reports every 180 days.

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