U.S. Senator Katie Britt is working hard to make sure that the Port of Mobile is both a vital economic artery for the region and a place of protection for its natural resources.

Over the past year to achieve the goal, she has been working in conjunction with the Alabama Port Authority and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) to secure additional beneficial use opportunities to help to deepen and widen the Port of Mobile’s ship channel and also conduct ongoing ship channel maintenance.

To that end, Britt (R-Montgomery) has announced three major projects, satisfying both economic and conservatory interests. The projects include an additional $47 million for USACE operations and maintenance of the Mobile Ship Channel, funding for a federal study to analyze sediment flows to ensure that dredge material is used beneficially, and language in the 2024 Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) to ensure beneficial use of dredge material to protect Alabama’s natural resources.

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“Alabama has been blessed with incredible natural resources, and we need to make sure we are utilizing them to strengthen our state and our future,” said Britt. “Whether it’s sand to restore Dauphin Island or material for wetlands creation, it’s our responsibility to steward these resources and ensure their beneficial use at every opportunity. I’m proud to work with the Port of Mobile and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to enact critical legislation and strategic investments to ensure that the Port’s vital work can continue to provide important conservation benefits while supporting economic growth and good-paying jobs across all 67 of Alabama’s counties.”

Alabama Port Authority Director and CEO John C. Driscoll thanked Britt for her continued efforts and noted the importance of the legislation.

“Senator Britt has always been a champion of the Port, and that work doesn’t stop in Mobile,” Driscoll said. “The growth of the Port statewide, and our inland intermodal facilities, in particular, are dependent on deeper water and keeping the Mobile Ship Channel open for business. We appreciate her leadership in ensuring that Port projects can move forward and benefit our entire state and its natural resources.”

The Port of Mobile has committed to using all eligible dredge material for beneficial use projects in and around Mobile Bay. Nationwide, the USACE is committed to placing 70% of usable material in beneficial projects by 2030.

Austen Shipley is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on X @ShipleyAusten