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Following notification of the grant awards to the Alabama Congressional Delegation, Governor Kay Ivey on Friday announced that the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) has awarded a $550 million discretionary grant from the Bridge Investment Program to the Mobile River Bridge and Bayway Project.
The major grant award is believed to be one of the largest federal grants ever received for an Alabama project and is the second-largest in the program’s history. It marks a significant milestone in the decades-long project to build a new Interstate 10 Bridge and Bayway connecting Mobile and the Eastern Shore of Baldwin County.
Governor Ivey, the Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT), and the chairmen of the Eastern Shore and Mobile Metropolitan Planning Organizations each released statements celebrating this achievement.
Governor Kay Ivey expressed her enthusiasm, saying, “It is a great day in Alabama! This federal funding will be a game-changer, not just for Mobile and Baldwin Counties, but for our entire state and region. This is exactly how our infrastructure dollars should be spent, and I thank the federal government for their recognition of and support for this critical project.”
U.S. Senator Katie Britt, a member of the Senate Committee on Appropriations, also celebrated the $550 million investment from the USDOT. She stated, “This $550 million investment in the Mobile River Bridge and Bayway Project is a huge win for Alabamians and any American who drives along I-10. I was proud to help lead Alabama’s entire congressional delegation in support of this well-deserved grant award, and I appreciate Governor Ivey’s continued partnership and the leadership of the MPOs and local officials who have spearheaded this community-driven, crucial project. Returning Alabamians’ hard-earned taxpayer dollars back to our great state is a top priority of mine in the Senate, and I’ll continue fighting to do just that.”
Since taking office in January 2023, Senator Britt has twice led the entire Alabama Congressional delegation in writing USDOT Secretary Pete Buttigieg advocating on behalf of investing federal funds in this project. The new grant brings the total federal investment in the project to $675 million.
Despite the broad support for the grant, not all members of the Alabama Congressional Delegation were on board. Republicans U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville and Representatives Barry Moore, Jerry Carl, Robert Aderholt, Gary Palmer, and Mike Rogers all voted against President Joe Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which funded the I-10 project. Rep. Terri Sewell, the state’s lone Congressional Democrat, was the only Alabama delegate to vote for the measure.
My Alabama colleagues like @SenTuberville are right—this is a MAJOR win.
It’s a shame he voted against the bill that made it possible.
As Alabama’s only Member of Congress to vote FOR President Biden’s Infrastructure Law, I’m proud to see these funds coming to our state! https://t.co/OSKLim4kFH
— Rep. Terri A. Sewell (@RepTerriSewell) July 12, 2024
ALDOT Chief Engineer Ed Austin expressed his gratitude and optimism, stating, “We’re thrilled with the federal government’s investment of $550 million to advance the Mobile River Bridge and Bayway project. This funding allows the project to move forward as ALDOT finalizes the TIFIA loan process. With USDOT’s continued support, as well as the strong support from state and local officials, we are now in a position to break ground on this project as soon as next year.”
Austin emphasized the collective efforts, saying, “To say we’re grateful that our federal partners are recognizing the project’s national importance is an understatement. This decision is a testament to the persistent efforts and dedication of our state, local and congressional leaders who have had numerous meetings and extensive discussions with USDOT, tirelessly advocating for this project. These efforts in Alabama and Washington to highlight the project’s value have been acknowledged, and we appreciate the federal government for partnering with us on this critical project.”
He continued, “This has truly been a team effort with Governor Ivey, our ALDOT staff, the Eastern Shore Metropolitan Planning Organization and the Mobile Metropolitan Planning Organization, the Federal Highway Administration and the USDOT, the members of Alabama Toll Road, Tunnel and Bridge Authority and Alabama’s congressional delegation. I can’t begin to name everyone who has helped secure additional funding, but we appreciate everyone in the transportation industry and beyond who is supporting our efforts.”
Mobile Mayor Sandy Stimpson, chair of the Mobile Metropolitan Planning Organization, highlighted the project’s significance: “It is hard to overstate how important today’s announcement is for the future of Mobile. This funding is a monumental boost for the Mobile River Bridge and Bayway project, and we are moving full steam ahead. I want to thank the USDOT and the White House for their efforts advancing this project, which benefits everything from daily commuters to hurricane evacuations to the growth of our port and industrial base. I also want to thank Governor Kay Ivey for keeping this project alive over the last few years. Without her unwavering support, we wouldn’t be here today. The benefits of today’s announcement will be felt along the entire I-10 corridor from Florida to California!”
Fairhope City Councilman Jack Burrell, chair of the Eastern Shore Metropolitan Planning Organization, shared his excitement: “Baldwin County residents should be thrilled with today’s news. This is the most significant day in the project’s history. On behalf of the Eastern Shore MPO, I would like to thank the federal government and the USDOT for their support for the Mobile River Bridge and Bayway project. The Eastern Shore MPO, our counterparts in Mobile, ALDOT and the governor have all worked tirelessly to advocate for this project and to ensure that it’s built in a way that benefits local residents and addresses national needs. It is a project that deserves federal support like what was announced today, and with the USDOT’s continued support, we can build this bridge soon.”
This federal funding marks a significant step forward for the Mobile River Bridge and Bayway Project, promising substantial benefits for Alabama’s infrastructure and its residents.
