The Port of Mobile celebrated the completion of the 50-foot depth ship channel, making it the deepest container port in the Gulf of America.
"This is a transformational milestone not only for the Port, but for the City of Mobile," said Mobile Mayor Sandy Stimpson. "The Mobile Harbor Modernization Project represents a $366 million investment through a state and federal partnership."
The ship channel will now be able to service larger vessels, bringing in more economic opportunity to the city, state and the nation.
"The port also received its first ship capable of navigating the additional depth when the Sakizawa Power docked at the McDuffie Coal Terminal and later cleared the channel with a 48.4-foot draft," Stimpson added.
Among dignitaries at Monday's ribbon-cutting ceremony were Gov. Kay Ivey, former U.S. Sen. Richard Shelby (R-Tuscaloosa), who helped secure federal funding for the port deepening and widening project and U.S. Sen. Katie Britt (R-Montgomery) and U.S. Sen. Tommy Tuberville (R-Auburn), U.S. Rep. Shomari Figures (D-Mobile) and U.S. Rep. Barry Moore (R-Enterprise).
"It's a milestone not only for Mobile but for the state of Alabama," said Mobile Sheriff Paul Burch, who was on hand for the event. "We will be the largest and deepest port on the Gulf Coast, and that is a game changer."
Environmentalists have been concerned that the in-bay disposal of mud in maintaining the port's depth will be detrimental to marine life. The Mobile Baykeeper is challenging the Army Corps of Engineers' plan to dredge and dump 90 million cubic yards of mud over 20 years.
"We are grateful that the deepening and widening is finished. We are hopeful it brings economic benefits. We are now starting the 20-year period where the Corps plans to dump 90 million cubic yards of mud into the bay to keep the channel maintained, a practice done no where else in the country,” Baykeeper stated. “There is a win-win solution on the table to keep the channel open, using federal money to do it, along with more restoration and stopping the harm to Mobile Bay. Over 30,000 letters have been written by citizens asking for this. It’s time to end to end the mud dumping."
To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email [email protected].
Don't miss out! Subscribe to our newsletter and get our top stories every day or become a member to gain access to exclusive content and 1819 News merch.
