As our state works to grow our economy and attract high-quality jobs, it is important to recognize and understand the tools we have at our disposal that can deliver the biggest impact.

Alabama has a wealth of such assets that, if leveraged correctly and given the attention and investment they need, can put us on the map for virtually any company across just about every industry. We have many of these assets to point to – whether that be Alabama’s strong workforce, friendly business environment, economic development incentives and great quality of life.

One of these assets our state has at its disposal – an asset of which has virtually unlimited potential – is the Port of Mobile.

The name itself, however – “the Port of Mobile” – can be misleading. Because it really isn’t the “Port of Mobile,” it really is the “Port of Alabama,” because the industry and jobs it supports affects every single corner of our state.

Let’s take a look at some of the numbers.

Activity at the port’s public and private terminals directly and indirectly generates nearly 313,000 jobs each year. The Port of Mobile handles more than 55 million tons of international and domestic cargo for exporters and importers, delivering $85 billion in economic value to the state each year. And the port has a $2 billion annual state and local tax impact.

These numbers are undeniable, and they exemplify the true success story that the “Port of Alabama” has on our great state. Simply put, a strong Port of Mobile means a strong state of Alabama.

Whether it be our auto manufacturing sector – which ranks third in the entire country, or our thriving coal and natural resources industries – and many others far too numerous to name, the Port keeps products and goods moving from Alabama companies to consumers across the entire globe.

That’s why it’s important for our state to support this incredible asset and to make sure it has the resources it needs to be successful.

And in the state legislature, we recognize this need and are taking ambitious steps towards making sure that happens. Last year we created a brand-new committee in the state legislature – the House Ports, Waterways, and Intermodal Transit Committee, which I am honored to serve as chairman – to focus on strengthening our import and export capabilities and opportunities across Alabama.

When people think about major Southeastern ports, the ports in Charleston, Savannah and New Orleans often come to mind. There is no reason why our state’s port shouldn’t be included on that list. We should all want as many goods being shipped in and out of our port as possible, and we want to take advantage of the jobs and economic impact that would be created by those increased inflows and outflows of goods.

The reason for this committee’s creation is to create an environment where our state can focus on allowing that to happen. And I should note – this committee’s focus isn’t just on the Port of Mobile, but also the Tennessee/Tombigbee Waterway, the ports of Huntsville and Birmingham, and the port being constructed in Montgomery. Creating an environment where it makes financial sense for companies to use this invaluable, uniquely Alabama asset is good for the port and its good for the state.

When it comes down to it, the Port of Mobile represents future opportunity and success for our state. And it is an Alabama resource that everyone in our state should be able to rally behind and be proud to claim as their own.

I look forward to seeing the impact that the legislative proposals that we consider in our committee make on our great state – and I look forward to the day when Alabama’s port is the envy of states from the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific.

Rep. Chip Brown proudly represents District 105 and serves as the Chairman of the House Ports, Waterways, and Intermodal Transit Committee.