The Alabama Port Authority and U.S. Senator Katie Britt have announced that three major projects related to long-term dredged material management at the Port of Mobile will advance in Congress.
In collaboration with the Alabama Port Authority and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), Senator Britt has worked over the past year to secure additional uses 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’s operation and maintenance of the Mobile Ship Channel, funding for a federal study to analyze sediment flows to ensure wise use of dredged material, and language in the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) of 2024 to ensure wise use of dredged material to protect Alabama’s natural resources.
The $47 million secured by Britt will be used for the operation and maintenance of the federal canal, funding the profitable use of approved materials to improve navigation and recreation infrastructure.
In addition, Britt recently advanced $5 million to support the development of the Decatur Inland Intermodal facility, which will connect the Port of Mobile to northern Alabama to better reach major mid-US markets such as Nashville and Chicago.
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“Alabama is blessed with incredible natural resources and we must ensure we use them to strengthen our state and our future,” said Senator Britt.
“Whether it is sand to restore Dauphin Island or material to create wetlands, it is our responsibility to steward these resources and ensure their wise use at every opportunity.
“I am proud to work with the Port of Mobile and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to pass critical legislation and strategic investments to ensure the port’s vital work continues to provide important conservation benefits while supporting economic growth and good-paying jobs in all 67 Alabama counties.”
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“Senator Britt has always been an advocate for the port, and that work does not end in Mobile,” said John C. Driscoll, director and CEO of the Alabama Port Authority.
“Port growth across the state, and particularly our inland intermodal facilities, depends on deeper water and keeping the Mobile Ship Channel open.
“We appreciate her leadership in ensuring port projects can move forward and benefit our entire state and its natural resources.”
In early June of this year, the Alabama Port Authority announced its application for federal grants to launch extensive emissions reduction efforts at port facilities.
