MOBILE COUNTY, Ala. – The Mobile County Commission awarded the $24.4 million Bayou La Batre City Docks Redevelopment Project construction contract to Ben M. Radcliff Contractors, Inc., at its meeting on July 16.

Mobile County serves as the administrator for this project.  Grant administration is overseen by the State of Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (ADCNR).  This project was approved by the Alabama Gulf Coast Recovery Council and funded through the U.S. Department of the Treasury under the Resources and Ecosystems Sustainability, Tourist Opportunities, and Revived Economies of the Gulf Coast States Act of 2012 (RESTORE Act). This dedicated investment from the Deepwater Horizon oil spill settlement targets infrastructure that restores coastal economies and ecosystems.

“The Deepwater Horizon spill was devastating to Bayou La Batre. This project is exactly what the RESTORE Act was meant to deliver, long-term, visible recovery where it’s needed most. Thanks to federal, state, and local collaboration, the City of Bayou La Batre’s working waterfront will be reborn as a sustainable engine for Alabama’s seafood industry,” said Chris Blankenship, Commissioner of the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.

Construction will take approximately two years and will transform the waterfront into a vibrant multifunctional economic hub, featuring:

• Seafood marketplace: Two 4,500-foot open‑air pavilions, portable restroom facilities, and a shrimp‑boat sales pier for direct-from-boat public seafood sales.
• Full-service marina: A 6,108-foot elevated, timber‑pile marina building; floating fuel dock; one main dock plus five side “tree” docks with water, electrical, fire suppression, and restroom facilities.
• Boat launch: A four-lane concrete boat ramp with courtesy docks, gangways, protective rock revetment, and expanded paved parking.
• Site improvements: Demolition of old structures; new bulkheads, boardwalks, utilities, lighting, sidewalks, curbs, landscaping, signage, and benches,

“

Mobile County is proud to help bring this project to life for a community hit hard by Katrina and the oil spill,” said Mobile County District 3 Commissioner Randall Dueitt. “Redeveloping the City Docks will strengthen the seafood industry, create jobs, and draw more visitors to the Bayou. It’s an investment in the people, the water, and the working coast that define Mobile County.”

A revitalized dock area will bolster Bayou La Batre’s position as the “Seafood Capital of Alabama” by enhancing commercial landings. The site will support direct seafood sales, expand charter fishing and ecotourism, and offer community gathering spaces for markets and events. Anticipated outcomes include job creation in seafood processing, tourism, marine services, and retail.

“Ever since Gov. George Wallace built the original facility and gave it to the City for $1, these docks have been the heart of Bayou La Batre, and now they’ll get the new life they deserve,” said Bayou La Batre Mayor Henry Barnes. “This project is a blessing for our seafood industry and everyone who calls Bayou La Batre home or visits. We’re thankful to our partners and excited to see our waterfront come back stronger than ever.”

Bayou La Batre City Docks master planning, engineering, and design services provided by Moffatt & Nichol.

Go to https://link.edgepilot.com/s/91e57c1b/mUkdND32c0W77YMjzQ_O2w?u=http://www.bayoulabatrecitydocks.com/ for more information on the Bayou La Batre City Docks Redevelopment Project, its master plan, a video of conceptual renderings, and completed adjacent projects: enhancements to an existing boat ramp, Pavilion/Access Platform/Trail, and the Lightning Point Shoreline Restoration project.

For the full gallery of updated renderings depicting the project concepts and key features, go to https://link.edgepilot.com/s/494d5987/FD8-xusiY06TAGxcY4Hrtw?u=https://www.bayoulabatrecitydocks.com/imagine-what-can-be.

ABOUT MOBILE COUNTY COMMISSION:
Commissioners: President Merceria Ludgood (District 1), Connie Hudson (District 2), and Randall Dueitt (District 3). As the governing body for Mobile County, Alabama, the Commission is responsible for budget and infrastructure decision-making that enhances quality of life and makes Mobile County a great place to live, work, play, and visit. Mobile County Commission maintains almost 1,400 miles of roads, 160 bridges, 100 buildings, and multiple parks, and provides funding for all County operations, including the Sheriff’s Department, Metro Jail, License Commissioner, Revenue Commissioner, and Probate Judge. The Commission is integral to economic development within the region and is committed to increasing public access to water through its Parks Initiative.

ABOUT MOBILE COUNTY, ALABAMA:
Established in 1812. Population: 411,640 (Census, 2023). Size: 1,233 square miles of land (962 unincorporated) and 412 square miles of water. Logistics highlights: Alabama State Port, Intersection of I-10 and I-65, Five Class 1 railroads, Two airports. Top industry clusters: Aviation/Aerospace, Chemical, Healthcare, IT/Tech, Logistics/Distribution, Maritime, Oil & Gas; Economic Development: from 2010 to 2024, about 14,500 new jobs were created (Mobile Chamber).  Annual GDP: Third largest in Alabama, about $25 billion (bea.gov 2023).  11 Municipalities: Bayou La Batre, Chickasaw, Citronelle, Creola, Dauphin Island, Mobile (county seat), Mount Vernon, Prichard, Saraland, Satsuma, and Semmes.