Birmingham Field Office Participates in One Year Anniversary of Alabama Deadly Storms

(Left to right) Tuscaloosa Mayor Walt Maddox, Governor Robert Bentley and HUD Alabama field Office Director Michael German

In commemoration of the one year anniversary of the deadly storms of April 27, 2011, HUD Alabama Field Office Director, Michael German joined Alabama Governor, Robert Bentley and Tuscaloosa Mayor, Walt Maddox in commemorating one year anniversary of the deadly storms on April 27, 2012. Governor Bentley opened the evening by noting that its purpose was to remember those who died and to honor those who survived.

Tuscaloosa Mayor Walt Maddox also echoed that theme in his remarks along with a passionate expression of appreciation to First Responders, who he referred to as heroes. German, in an email to all Birmingham Field Office staff noted that, "Our HUD Birmingham office, through the leadership of Secretary Shaun Donovan, the commitment of Regional Administrator Ed Jennings, Jr. and the financial and personal support being provided through our CPD and Public Housing staffs are leading the way for the recovery and revitalization of communities throughout Alabama."

(Left to right) Alabama HUD Field Office Director Michael German fourth from left, joins Birmingham Mayor William Bell (fifth from right) and other Birmingham officials ground breaking

The following day German joined Birmingham Mayor William Bell and other Birmingham City officials in the groundbreaking for a 42 unit senior housing complex to be build in the heart of Pratt City to help with the revitalization of the area. The Pratt City area was hit hard by the storms of April 27, 2011, with over 3,000 homes in the area receiving significant damage, and as many as 1,200 being completely destroyed.

The City of Birmingham has announced plans for the 42 units of senior housing, 25 units of single family housing, for the reconstruction of the community fire station that served the community and the upgrading of the library that served as the hub of the community as part of their revitalization efforts. The one year anniversary program also featured performances by former American Idol winners Ruben Studdard and Taylor Hicks, who are both from the Birmingham area, as well as a celebrity 5K run.

Go to hud.gov/alabama for more information.

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