MONTGOMERY – Following notification of the grant awards to the Alabama Congressional Delegation, Governor Kay Ivey today announced that the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) has awarded a $550 million discretionary grant from the Bridge Investment Program to the Mobile River Bridge and Bayway Project.

The major grant award is believed to be one of the largest federal grants ever received for an Alabama project and is the second-largest in the program’s history. It marks a significant milestone in the decades-long project to build a new Interstate 10 Bridge and Bayway connecting Mobile and the Eastern Shore of Baldwin County.

Governor Ivey, the Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT), U.S. Senator Katie Britt, U.S. Rep. Jerry Carl and the chairmen of the Eastern Shore and Mobile Metropolitan Planning Organizations each released statements, below:

Mobile Chamber President & CEO Bradley Byrne: “This is a huge development. And of course it’s going to trigger the start to this project early next year. It’s important to be able to move people and goods efficiently.  Being able to have three lanes going each way and removing that bottleneck that we see day after day after day, that helps us move goods and people more efficiently. That’s good for the economy.”

“It started here at the Mobile Chamber with a committee that said, we’ve got to do something about the bridge. I can remember as a new member of the legislature in 2002 working on this. So, decades in the making. But vitally, vitally needed. Not just for this area, but for the entire I-10 interstate system. Huge win for everybody in this area and I think for the country.”

“We met with Director Cooper, a couple weeks ago, he came down here at a special meeting, which I’m grateful for him doing that. And now we know that the fruit of his labors, the fruit of all of our labors, is now coming to fruition. I would say thank you for hanging in there with us and continuing to hang in there with us.”

“You’ve got to thank ALDOT who have been working on this for years as well. You’ve got to thank our congressional delegation, Senator Britt, Senator Tuberville, Congressman Carl. You’ve got to thank people in the past who’ve worked on this, Senator Shelby, Senator Sessions, Congressman Bonner, Congressman Callahan. That’s how far back this goes. It took a team effort and now it’s paying off.”

“This is yet another big, positive thing for this area. We keep rolling them out one after the other. New airport, new civic center, this bridge. But this one has been so long in the making. So difficult to get done. It feels like the biggest of them all.”

Governor Kay Ivey: “It is a great day in Alabama! This federal funding will be a game-changer, not just for Mobile and Baldwin Counties, but for our entire state and region. This is exactly how our infrastructure dollars should be spent, and I thank the federal government for their recognition of and support for this critical project.”

ALDOT Chief Engineer Ed Austin: “We’re thrilled with the federal government’s investment of $550 million to advance the Mobile River Bridge and Bayway project. This funding allows the project to move forward as ALDOT finalizes the TIFIA loan process. With USDOT’s continued support, as well as the strong support from state and local officials, we are now in a position to break ground on this project as soon as next year.

“To say we’re grateful that our federal partners are recognizing the project’s national importance is an understatement. This decision is a testament to the persistent efforts and dedication of our state, local and congressional leaders who have had numerous meetings and extensive discussions with USDOT, tirelessly advocating for this project. These efforts in Alabama and Washington to highlight the project’s value have been acknowledged, and we appreciate the federal government for partnering with us on this critical project.

“This has truly been a team effort with Governor Ivey, our ALDOT staff, the Eastern Shore Metropolitan Planning Organization and the Mobile Metropolitan Planning Organization, the Federal Highway Administration and the USDOT, the members of Alabama Toll Road, Tunnel and Bridge Authority and Alabama’s congressional delegation. I can’t begin to name everyone who has helped secure additional funding, but we appreciate everyone in the transportation industry and beyond who is supporting our efforts.”

U.S. Senator Katie Britt: “This $550 million investment in the Mobile River Bridge and Bayway Project is a huge win for Alabamians and any American who drives along I-10. I was proud to help lead Alabama’s entire congressional delegation in support of this well-deserved grant award, and I appreciate Governor Ivey’s continued partnership and the leadership of the MPOs and local officials who have spearheaded this community-driven, crucial project. Returning Alabamians’ hard-earned taxpayer dollars back to our great state is a top priority of mine in the Senate, and I’ll continue fighting to do just that.”

U.S. Rep. Jerry Carl: “I’m excited to announce a $550 million federal grant has been awarded for the I-10 Mobile River Bridge and Bayway Project. This project is now one huge step closer to reality, and I’m proud of all the work Team Alabama has accomplished together. I will continue working with Senators Tuberville and Britt, Governor Ivey, and our local leaders to get this project across the finish line. What a great day for south Alabama!”

Mobile Mayor Sandy Stimpson, chair of the Mobile Metropolitan Planning Organization: “It is hard to overstate how important today’s announcement is for the future of Mobile. This funding is a monumental boost for the Mobile River Bridge and Bayway project, and we are moving full steam ahead. I want to thank the USDOT and the White House for their efforts advancing this project, which benefits everything from daily commuters to hurricane evacuations to the growth of our port and industrial base. I also want to thank Governor Kay Ivey for keeping this project alive over the last few years. Without her unwavering support, we wouldn’t be here today. The benefits of today’s announcement will be felt along the entire I-10 corridor from Florida to California!”

Fairhope City Councilman Jack Burrell, chair of the Eastern Shore Metropolitan Planning Organization: “Baldwin County residents should be thrilled with today’s news. This is the most significant day in the project’s history. On behalf of the Eastern Shore MPO, I would like to thank the federal government and the USDOT for their support for the Mobile River Bridge and Bayway project. The Eastern Shore MPO, our counterparts in Mobile, ALDOT and the governor have all worked tirelessly to advocate for this project and to ensure that it’s built in a way that benefits local residents and addresses national needs. It is a project that deserves federal support like what was announced today, and with the USDOT’s continued support, we can build this bridge soon.”

Additional information on the Bridge Investment Program is available in the linked fact sheet from ALDOT.