Pipe Among Alabama-Made Products Being Installed at State Parks

Commissioner Blankenship said one aspect of his oversight of these State Parks projects is the education about the ductile iron pipe industry. Located in the metro Birmingham area, three manufacturers - U.S. Pipe, American Cast Iron Pipe Company and McWane Cast Iron Pipe Company - produce the vast majority of ductile iron pipe manufactured in the United States.

"I've learned not only how many jobs it produces but also what it means dollar-wise to the people of the State of Alabama," he said. "It's not only quality, high-paying jobs, but it does so much to increase the quality of life for our citizens."

David Cole of the Ductile Iron Pipe Research Association, which was formed in 1915, said the ductile iron pipe production in Alabama has a widespread impact. Ductile iron pipe features a concrete lining and protective coatings on the inner and outer surfaces and is primarily used in drinking water systems.

"Our pipe is in places like New York City and Los Angeles and everywhere in between," Cole said. "A lot of people don't realize that. Our footprint throughout the country is tremendous. There are facilities in 30 states and Canada, and all the companies are based right here in Alabama.

"The pipe being used in these projects, I can assure you, will be around for generations because it's the only proven drinking water infrastructure product that has been around for generations."

Cole also applauded the Alabama Legislature for allocating the ARPA funds for drinking water infrastructure as well as the work done by ADEM.

"We work with a lot of states and their regulatory agencies," he said. "ADEM is one of the most understaffed environmental management authorities in the country, but they have got these dollars out in the most efficient manner of any state agency that we've seen throughout the country."

Phil Goodwin, U.S. Pipe's Director of Governmental Affairs/Sales Operations and native of Chambers County, said the company he's worked for 24 years is celebrating its 126th anniversary. He said the company's flagship facilities in Bessemer, Alabama, have been producing pipe since 1899 in an area known locally as "Pipe Shop."

"We're grateful to provide this ductile iron pipe for the first of several water line replacements in our great State Parks," Goodwin said. "More importantly, we're proud that the (Conservation) Department chose to specify domestic ductile iron pipe for these projects. Over 90% of the input for this pipe is scrap iron, so every piece of pipe you see comes from an old car, an engine block and structural steel from a building that is coming down. All the scrap is sourced locally in Alabama, so it is truly an Alabama product. Additionally, we're going to put this pipe in the ground, and we're not going to talk about it again for 100 or more years. It is environmentally friendly. It's the most sustainable pipe you can buy, and it's perfect for its use in State Parks.

"We've got Alabama employees making Alabama product being purchased by the State of Alabama and being installed by a wonderful Alabama contractor (L&K Contracting from Dothan). It doesn't get any better than that."

The Lakepoint State Park project is one of the first to use the Alabama-made ductile iron pipe with similar upgrades planned for Wind Creek State Park in Alexander City, Oak Mountain State Park in Pelham, Monte Sano State Park in Huntsville, and Lake Guntersville State Park. Visit www.alapark.com for additional information about Alabama State Parks.

Commissioner Blankenship said the use of Alabama-made products in State Parks goes far beyond ductile iron pipe. He said the bed sheets used in State Parks are made in Cullman by Home-Tex, and Cheaha State Park is getting a total makeover highlighting Alabama forest products.

"We're building a fantastic new lodge at Cheaha State Park, the highest point in Alabama," Commissioner Blankenship said. "We specified that project must use mass timber construction and cross-laminated panels with timber that was sustainably harvested and milled in Alabama. Using this pipe that is made in Alabama is just another extension of how we're trying to partner with companies in Alabama and keep our money in our home state."

State Park's Capps added, "The Lodge at Cheaha is going to add another gem to our State Parks System with impressive views of the mountain and surrounding valleys. We can't wait for our visitors to enjoy this spectacular new facility that is being built with Alabama products."

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