Governor Kay Ivey's recent announcement on the Port of Mobile's impressive $98.3 billion economic impact has profound implications for Montgomery, which stands to benefit significantly from the Port's growth.Governor Ivey highlighted the Port's statewide impact, emphasizing its role in various industries, from automotive to natural resource exports. The economic impact report for 2022, commissioned by the Alabama Port Authority, underscores the Port's statewide influence, supporting 351,359 jobs and generating $22.5 billion in income across all 67 counties. The ongoing capital projects, including the Phase IV expansion at the container terminal, will bring new opportunities for shippers and further boost Montgomery's economic prospects. Montgomery's role as a logistical and administrative hub for the Port of Alabama is set to expand with the introduction of the Montgomery Inland Port in 2025.
Montgomery Mayor Steven L. Reed expressed enthusiasm, stating, "Montgomery serves as a hub for logistics, transportation, and administrative functions that support the Port of Alabama’s operations. Soon, our community will have the added advantage of a new Inland Intermodal Transfer Facility Port, further enhancing those capabilities. This project will bring about significant change for Montgomery, providing us with the opportunity to compete with neighboring regions for economic growth and establishing ourselves as a regional center for commerce and trade, as a result, our city will experience a boost in investment and overall quality of life for our residents.” Mayor Reed shared, “This project is estimated to create 2,618 direct and indirect jobs, providing a much-needed boost to our local economy. It is also projected to generate $340 million in business revenues and over $14.2 million in state and local taxes, further solidifying the economic benefits that this project will bring to Montgomery and our region.”
The Port of Mobile's robust economic impact not only solidifies its position as a vital economic engine for Alabama but also promises to bring new opportunities and advantages to Montgomery. This impact is palpable in Montgomery, as emphasized by Montgomery County Commission Chairman Doug Singleton, who noted, "Alabama’s ports continue to drive economic growth throughout our state. We look forward to the opening of the Montgomery Inland Port in 2025 and building on our already strong partnership with the Alabama State Port Authority."
READ MORE – Link to Gov. Press release: https://governor.alabama.gov/newsroom/2024/02/governor-ivey-announces-the-port-of-mobiles-nearly-100-billion-impact-on-alabamas-economy
