U.S. Senator Katie Britt (R-Montgomery) has made a massive announcement that will impact lower Alabama greatly.

Britt, who is a member of the Senate Appropriations Energy and Water Development Subcommittee, announced a $34 million increase for the Mobile Bay in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Fiscal Year 2026 Work Plan. The funding increase of more than 60% will allow additionally flexibility to dispose of dredged material and increase beneficial use sites.

“It’s Alabama the Beautiful for a reason,” said Sen. Britt. “The Mobile Bay is the gateway to our state and a hub for global commerce. I’m encouraged to see the U.S. Army Corps’ work plan recognize the need for increased funding. This investment will ensure the Port of Mobile continues to grow as the premier deepwater port in the Gulf of America, while preserving the Bay’s natural resources. Thank you to Assistant Secretary Adam Telle for his continued leadership in protecting our nation’s waterways.”

Adam Telle, the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works also weighed in.

“President Trump’s maritime dominance agenda is once again delivering for American citizens and our economy,” Telle said. “Mobile is home to one of the Gulf of America’s most important ports, is a key entry point to waterways throughout the South, and has an abundance of beautiful natural resources. I thank Sen. Britt and the Alabama delegation for their work to maintain the channel and appropriately protect the Bay.”

The announcement is a continuation of Senator Britt’s efforts to strengthen and protect the Mobile Bay, including securing more than $10 million in FY26 funding for beneficial use sites, oyster restoration, and sediment flow studies.

She has long been an advocate for dredged material being used for beneficial purposes including habitat restoration, beach nourishment, and wetland creation.

In 2024, Britt authored a law which directs the Army Corps of Engineers to ensure no less than 70% of dredged material is used for positive uses like this.