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On Thursday, Gov. Kay Ivey signed legislation that will provide support to the Alabama Port Authority in the form of extra funding and more incentives for the ports.
Alabama will allocate $20 million dollars to the McDuffie Coal Terminal which will be used to buy coal-handling equipment to increase the terminal’s efficiency. The $20 million will come from the $3 billion General Fund budget that passed the legislature and signed by Ivey.
A separate piece of legislation, HB239, increases the tax incentives for businesses to encourage them to utilize the Alabama ports.
The legislation was sponsored by Rep. Chip Brown, R-Mobile, and is part of the ‘Game Plan’ economic incentive package that was heavily supported by both parties and the governor during the legislative session.
After providing her signature to the bill Ivey stated the potential effects it could have for Alabama.
“As Alabama’s economy continues to grow, our public ports are valuable assets for businesses seeking to ship their in-demand products through the state,” Ivey said. “This legislation, which increases port-use tax credits, will encourage businesses engaged in manufacturing, warehousing or distribution in the state to increase the volume of the cargo they ship through Alabama’s public ports. A compliment to Alabama’s successful ‘Game Plan’ economic incentives package, which I signed into law in April, this legislation will also attract more jobs and investment to our state.”
Alabama Port Authority director and CEO John C. Driscoll also released a statement which can be read in it’s entirety below.
“This investment in the Port is truly an investment in the entire state, and the infusion of cash means we will be able to do more, faster to ensure the Alabama Port Authority is the most modern and efficient port. We have always punched above our weight, reinvesting everything outside of operating costs to continue to improve our ability to serve all 67 counties in Alabama and beyond.
“Our mission is to make Alabama the most globally connected economic engine in the country. In addition to the generous budget allocation, economic developers statewide will benefit from an increased port incentives package that is an excellent addition to The Game Plan, the statewide incentives package passed earlier in the session.
“At the Port, our mission is to help Alabama’s economy grow. We’re thankful for the support of legislators, local officials, and our federal delegation in helping us achieve this goal. But we can’t do it alone. Every day is a competition with other states and countries to attract high-caliber businesses. This session’s investments in the Port will help our state compete regionally and globally.”
