Jones ends 44-year NACOLG career
MUSCLE SHOALS — KeithJonessaidhe’sproud of the legacy of unity he helped establish during his 25-year tenure as director of the Northwest Alabama Council of Local Governments.
His time as NACOLG director comes to an end today.
Jones, 66, said he went to work at NACOLG in 1981 after he graduated from the University of North Alabama, and was appointed director Oct. 1, 2000.
The NACOLG district includes Colbert, Franklin, Lauderdale, Marion and Winston counties in northwest Alabama.
“It’s just time,” Jones said of his decision to retire. “I feel a lot has been accomplished. It’s the end of the fiscal year and it’s perfect timing.”
Jones said he plans to spend more time with his grandchildren, do some traveling, and embark on some other opportunities.
Recalling some highlights of his NACOLG career, Jones said one of the most rewarding undertakings was assisting residents of Franklin and Marion counties following the devastating April 27, 2011, tornado outbreak that ripped through parts of the state, including the hard-hit cities of Phil Campbell and Hackleburg.
He said a NACOLG project that mapped the water system in Franklin County assisted the Federal Emergency Management Agency in its search and rescue efforts.
Jones also pointed out how NACOLG helped the Lauderdale County Commission secure a $17 million Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD) grant to widen a portion of U.S. 72 that passed by the new Lauderdale County Agricultural Events Center, and a $2 million Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) grant to design a railroad overpass in Sheffield.
For the past 10 years, NACOLG has sponsored trips to Washington, D.C., allowing county and municipal officials to meet with the area’s federal delegation or their aides to discuss issues and lobby for grant money.
“We want this area to grow and prosper,” Jones said.
Another program he is proud of is the SenioRx prescription drug assistance program initiated by the late State Sen. Roger Bedford.
“It started as a demonstration project here and is one of the few across the state,” Jones said.
The relationship Jones helped establish with Alabama Department of Transportation Director John Cooper is another highlight. Cooper has made frequent trips to the Shoals to meet with local government officials concerning highway improvement projects.
“I appreciate the friendship with Keith Jones and wish him well in his retirement,” Franklin County Probate Judge and County Commission Chairman Barry Moore said. “You could call Keith and let him know what you needed help with, and he would get you in the right direction. His staff has been great to work with.”
