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Funding Found for Mobile Dredge Projects

[ September 26, 2024   //   Gary G Burrows ]

The Alabama Port Authority is advancing on 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), Alabama Sen. Katie Boyd Britt has been working to secure additional funds for the Port of Mobile’s ship channel deepening and widening project and ongoing ship channel maintenance.
These projects include an additional US$47 million for USACE operations and maintenance of the Mobile Ship Channel, funding for a federal study to analyze 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.
“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,” Britt said of the dredging projects.
The US$47 million 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 US$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, Midwestern markets such as Nashville and Chicago.
“The growth of the port statewide, and our inland intermodal facilities, 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,” said John C. Driscoll, Alabama Port Authority director and CEO.
Beneficial funded projects include shoreline restoration at Dauphin Island, wetlands restoration at Deer River, and oyster restoration in Mobile Bay. The Port of Mobile has committed to using all eligible dredge material for beneficial use projects in and around Mobile Bay. Nationwide, the USACE is committed to placing 70 percent of usable material in beneficial projects by 2030.

Tags: Alabama Port Authority