The Alabama Port Authority and US Senator Katie Britt have announced that three major projects related to long-term dredge material management at the Port of Mobile are moving forward in Congress.
In partnership with the Alabama Port Authority and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), Senator Britt has been working over the last year to secure additional beneficial use opportunities related to the Port of Mobile’s ship channel deepening and widening project and ongoing ship channel maintenance.
These projects include an additional $47 million for USACE operations and maintenance of the Mobile Ship Channel, funding for a federal study to analyse sediment flows to ensure that dredge material is used beneficially, and language in the 2024 Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) to ensure beneficial use of dredge material to protect Alabama’s natural resources.
The $47 million secured by Britt will be used for operations and maintenance of the federal channel, which funds the beneficial use of eligible material to improve infrastructure for navigation and recreation.
Additionally, Britt recently advanced $5 million to support the development of the Decatur Inland Intermodal facility, which will connect the Port of Mobile to North Alabama to better reach large, mid-American markets such as Nashville and Chicago.
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“Alabama has been blessed with incredible natural resources, and we need to make sure we are utilising them to strengthen our state and our future,” said Senator Britt.
“Whether it’s sand to restore Dauphin Island or material for wetlands creation, it’s our responsibility to steward these resources and ensure their beneficial use at every opportunity.
“I’m proud to work with the Port of Mobile and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to enact critical legislation and strategic investments to ensure that the port’s vital work can continue to provide important conservation benefits while supporting economic growth and good-paying jobs across all 67 of Alabama’s counties.”
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“Senator Britt has always been a champion of the port, and that work doesn’t stop in Mobile,” said Alabama Port Authority Director and CEO John C. Driscoll.
“The growth of the port statewide, and our inland intermodal facilities in particular, are dependent on deeper water and keeping the Mobile Ship Channel open for business.
“We appreciate her leadership in ensuring that Port projects can move forward and benefit our entire state and its natural resources.”
Earlier this June, the Alabama Port Authority announced its application for a federal grant to launch a major emissions reduction effort at port facilities.
