Bevill remembered for bringing projects

By Staff
Jonathan Willis FCT Staff Writer
One of Alabama's most distinguished political figures, former U.S. Rep. Tom Bevill, died Monday at the age of 84.
Bevill, a Jasper democrat, represented the Fourth Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives for thirty years before retiring in 1997.
During his 15 terms in office, Bevill was known for his ability to bring special projects to his district, including the Corridor X project which is currently under construction and will link Birmingham to Memphis.
He also held one of the most powerful seats in the House, chairing the Energy and Water Development Appropriations subcommittee for 18 years.
According to a press release, he initiated funding for most of the nation's public works projects which enabled him to steer billions of dollars to Alabama for highways, locks and dams, health clinics, vocational high schools, college research facilities and water systems across the state.
Bevill's biggest public works effort was the $1.9 billion Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway, which is a 232-mile man-made canal for commerce.
Bevill, who underwent heart surgery last summer, was the first person to answer a 911 emergency call on Feb. 16, 1968, in Haleyville.
The Walker County native spent many years fighting to bring special projects funds to Alabama, but he never lost sight of the needs of smaller communities as well. When Bevill first joined Congress, his top priority was to help the 125 municipalities in his district build local water systems to improve the quality of life for their residents.
He was also instrumental in getting funds to build and maintain facilities on college campuses across the state, including his alma mater, The University of Alabama, UAH and UAB. Buildings on the Northwest-Shoals Community College campuses in both Phil Campbell and Muscle Shoals are named in his honor.