Chilton County will likely remain in the 6th Congressional District after all—as it should.

The Alabama Senate and House of Representatives approved a map Thursday that would keep Chilton in its current district, a high profile one because it also includes Shelby and much of Jefferson counties.

The situation was uncertain, though, after a vote last week that would have moved Chilton into the 3rd District. A House committee rejected that plan, instead favoring a map the Legislature’s reapportionment committee recommended a couple of weeks ago.

The measure still must be approved by the U.S. Justice Department.

Local Sen. Cam Ward was a proponent of Chilton staying put.

“Chilton County is back where it should be, and I’m very happy with the results,” Ward said about the Legislature’s final decision.

A move would have put Chilton into a crowded district with 13 other counties, and moved it away from the political importance of the Birmingham-Hoover Metropolitan Area.

We’re glad Chilton is staying right where it is.