The Times-Journal has been closely following the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers plan for the locks and dams along the Alabama River for the past month.

During that time the Corps’ plan to close the locks to recreational traffic and open to commercial traffic by appointment only, was made known to the public, an online pettition against the Corps plan spearheaded by the Alabama Scenic River Trail gained more than 1,200 signatures, letters were sent by the our congressional delegation, and a listening session was held between the Corps and stakeholders.

The people had spoken, and Wednesday an announcement of change was made.

Our voices have been heard, and we as a community have helped bring that change about.

While the change in the Corps’ plan is not perfect, it is a step in the right direction.

We are excited not only to see change, but to be a part of that change. We are proud to see our congressional delegation and other leaders step up, and speak for our community. To them we would like to say thank you for representing us, and finding ways to better understand our needs.

The Alabama River is a resource we are not willing to give up, and it is great to see we are not alone.