The U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) awarded a $550 million discretionary grant for the Mobile River Bridge and Bayway project.
The grant is the second-largest ever awarded from the Bridge Investment program.
“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,” said U.S. Sen. Katie Britt (R-Montgomery). “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.”
Local officials have been trying to find a way to fund the project, and the Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT) recently paused it until it could find funds to cover rising costs due to inflation.
Jack Burrell, the chairman of the Eastern Shore MPO, was among the officials who traveled to Washington, D.C. to try to secure more federal funds.
“Baldwin County residents should be thrilled with today’s news,” Burrell said. “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," he said. "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.”
The Bayway project would consist of six-lane bridges across Mobile Bay to the Mobile River Bridge project, a cable-stayed bridge across the Mobile River. Ivey said she is pleased to see federal dollars pouring into Alabama for this purpose.
“It is a great day in Alabama!” she exclaimed. “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.”
The state previously secured $125 million in federal funds and has committed $250 million to the estimated $3.5 billion project.
“This is incredible news for Baldwin and Mobile Counties, the Gulf Coast, and Alabama at large,” said U.S. Rep. Jerry Carl (R-Mobile). “I am excited that Team Alabama's efforts are paying off and becoming a reality for Alabamians. I remain committed to fighting for every additional federal dollar for this bridge, and I will be working with Senator Britt and Senator Tuberville, as well as Governor Ivey and local officials, to continue pushing this project across the finish line.”
Some work has already been completed on the project, including right-of-way acquisitions and federal approvals.
“Hallelujah!” Mobile Mayor Sandy Stimpson said. “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 Federal Highway Administration 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 and ALDOT Director Cooper for keeping this project alive over the last few years,” he continued. “Without their 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!”
ALDOT chief engineer Ed Austin said the state will break ground on the project as soon as next year.
To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email erica.thomas@1819news.com.
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