The Alabama Port Authority Board of Directors and senior leadership travelled to Washington to meet with Alabama’s congressional delegation, thanking members for their support of critical projects at the Port of Mobile and providing updates on ongoing federal investments and strategic initiatives.
The visit, the first of its kind for the APA Board, follows a year of substantial federal support totalling more than US$ 49 million in funding and appropriations secured in fiscal year 2026.
The largest single allocation, approximately US$ 38 million, was secured through the Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund Donor and Energy Transfer programmes to support dredging and beneficial use initiatives in Mobile Bay.
A further US$ 3.2 million was allocated for the development of a beneficial use site in Upper Mobile Bay, combining long-term dredging support with the creation of new wetlands and environmental habitat.
Rail infrastructure improvements at the TASD Interchange Yard received US$ 2 million through the Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements Programme, while US$ 2 million through the Port Infrastructure Development Programme will support modernisation at the McDuffie Coal Terminal.
An additional US$ 850,000 in PIDP funding will cover design and engineering work for a future cargo facility on APA’s main docks, and USD 500,000 has been allocated to study increased sedimentation affecting Mobile Bay.
APA Board Chairman Zeke Smith described the Port of Mobile as a critical economic engine for Alabama, emphasising that federal investments benefit not only port customers but also businesses, employment and communities across the state.
CEO Doug Otto acknowledged that while strong port revenues support ongoing reinvestment, federal funding is essential for the larger infrastructure projects required to sustain long-term growth.
The delegation meetings also provided an opportunity to update congressional members on the container terminal expansion, intermodal capacity upgrades and other initiatives aimed at strengthening Alabama’s position in global trade.
