On Tuesday, the Coastal Alabama Partnership (CAP), a Mobile-based non-profit organization that hails a focus “on providing a platform for regional leaders to convene, collaborate, build consensus, and advocate for Coastal Alabama’s top priorities,” released a poll showing overwhelming support for an I-10 Mobile River and Bayway proposal released last week.
The poll of voters in Mobile and Baldwin Counties showed 75% of respondents supported the proposal unveiled by Eastern Shore and Mobile Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPOs) chairmen Mobile Mayor Sandy Stimpson and Fairhope City Council President Jack Burrell last week.
The poll of 455 registered voters in Mobile and Baldwin Counties was conducted over December 17-19 by Chism Strategies.
“This poll shows that South Alabamians know there’s a need for new infrastructure and want elected officials to deliver a solution,” Wiley Blankenship, president and CEO of the Coastal Alabama Partnership, said in a statement accompanying a release touting the poll’s findings. “Mobile and Baldwin Countians support this framework, because it both protects toll-free routes and provides for much-needed new infrastructure. This proposal has overwhelming support and is clearly needed for our area. The time is now to get this badly-needed project underway and completed.”
Highlights from the survey are as follows:
- Overwhelming Support for New Transportation Infrastructure
83% of respondents agreed that the area needs new, expanded infrastructure to reduce traffic congestion, increase road safety and improve hurricane evacuation routes.
- By a 6-to-1 Margin, Area Residents Support the New MPO Framework
74.8% of respondents support the MPO-announced bridge/Bayway framework, with only minimal opposition of 11.7%. This framework includes a new bridge over the Mobile River, replacing the current Bayway that connects Baldwin and Mobile Counties, and new interchanges in both counties to improve traffic flow and reduce congestion.
- Near United Support for Work in the Immediate Future
87% of residents believe this project should happen now instead of being spread out over the next 25 years.
- Widespread Support for Keeping Options for Free, No-Toll Routes
More than nine out of ten residents agree it is important to keep the causeway, Wallace Tunnel, Bankhead Tunnel, and Africatown Bridge free, with 80% saying this is very important.
- Keeping the New Infrastructure in the Hands of Alabama Taxpayers is Highly Popular
78% support preventing foreign or domestic private ownership of the infrastructure improvements.
- Strong Consensus on Ending Toll Fees Once Construction Costs are Fully Paid
86% say this is an important part of the plan with 73% saying it is very important.
“This issue has been debated for more than 20 years,” Blankenship added. “During that time the congestion problem has gotten worse and worse. We commend our local elected officials on both MPOs who have not given up on solving this problem. They have come forward with a framework that our polling shows has overwhelming public support and needs to happen now.”
@Jeff_Poor is a graduate of Auburn University and the University of South Alabama, the editor of Breitbart TV, a columnist for Mobile’s Lagniappe Weekly, and host of Mobile’s “The Jeff Poor Show” from 9 a.m.-12 p.m. on FM Talk 106.5.
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