By By ANNA M. LEE Managing Editor
Alabama Speaker of the House Seth Hammett (D) and Representative F.P. "Skippy" White (D) visited Brewton on Monday as guests of the Chamber of Commerce, Citation and T.R. Miller Mill.
The representatives' first stop was Citation Brewton where Citation officials filled them in on the company's plans for improvements and needs in terms of flood abatement.
Flooding from Murder Creek and Burnt Corn Creek -- not uncommon in Brewton's history -- can cause major stalls to production in the area as businesses scramble to repair damage and get running again.
The City of Brewton has been working with the Army Corps of Engineers since 1998 to develop plans for a levee that would alleviate much of the area's flood worries. Final plans for the levee are expected by September.
Among other thoughts presented to Hammett and White were Citation's plans for $7 million in improvements to modernize the operation.
After a visit to T.R. Miller Mill, Hammett met with the Brewton Chamber of Commerce's Governmental Affair Committee.
Hammett told the group, "I'm impressed with the two industries we saw here today. You've got a lot of risk with two industries from floods."
He added, "I don't understand why there's never been a levee built here, but it's high time, and I'll do everything I can to see it gets done."
Hammett also expressed his support for the proposed Tri-County Industrial Park and the jobs it would bring to people in this area. "Any way I can help you in that effort, I will. Count me in. I know it (job creation) is not just important, it's critical."