Passage of federal spending bills this week will result in more than $1 billion in funding for the mobile zone, according to a statement from Sen. Richard Shelby, R-Tuscaloosa.
The spending bills passed the U.S. House of Representatives on Wednesday and the Senate on Thursday by a vote of 68 to 31. The bills are on President Joe Biden’s desk.
“Throughout each ownership process, I have worked diligently to create the conditions for growth and success across the state of Alabama, and that certainly includes Mobile,” Shelby said in a statement. “I am very proud to announce that this package includes more than $1 billion in funding for the Mobile Zone, including $300 million for port and airport improvements. Southern Alabama stands to benefit immensely from these investments. Mobile has a lot of potential, and this funding will enhance its existing infrastructure to transform our coast and the entire state.
Mobile Downtown Airport will receive $100 million in funding to purchase land, conduct surveys, and renovate and relocate on-site facilities. The Port of Mobile will receive $132 million for the purchase of land, construction of wharves and site development.
The US Army Corps of Engineers will receive $65 million for dredging activities and $50 million for maintenance of energy transfer and donor ports.
More than $500 million will go toward building an additional Expeditionary Fast Transport and Expeditionary Medical Ship.
The University of South Alabama will receive $60 million to construct a medical sciences building, while another $81 million will go to the US Coast Guard and area fisheries.
“Our city is undergoing an unprecedented transformation that would not be possible without Senator Shelby’s vision and dedication to Mobile,” Stimpson said in a statement. “This latest investment in our success will positively impact many generations to come.”
