SPEAKIN’ OUT NEWS
WASHINGTON — Alabama could receive up to $142 million annually for bridge projects under a federal transportation proposal supported by U.S. Rep. Shomari Figures, potentially providing nearly $100 million more each year for repairing and modernizing the state’s aging infrastructure.
Figures, a Democrat representing Alabama’s 2nd Congressional District, helped secure several Alabama provisions in the bipartisan BUILD America 250 Act. The five-year surface transportation bill would authorize approximately $580 billion nationally for highways, bridges, public transportation, rail and safety programs from fiscal years 2027 through 2031.
The House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee approved the legislation 62–2 in May. It must still pass the full House and Senate and receive the president’s signature before the proposed funding becomes available. Therefore, the $142 million represents potential annual funding—not money already awarded to Alabama.
According to Figures’ congressional office, the revised bridge formula could benefit projects such as the long-planned Interstate 10 Mobile River Bridge and Bayway. The project is intended to improve safety, reduce congestion and strengthen the movement of freight along one of the Gulf Coast’s most important transportation corridors.
Figures also helped add language clarifying that road projects serving shipyards and maritime facilities may qualify for federal Surface Transportation Block Grant funding. That provision could support access improvements around the Mobile Naval Yard and other industrial locations.
Another provision would permit federal bridge funding to cover the removal or modification of tunnels and related highway structures that restrict ship traffic. Larger container ships currently cannot reach portions of the Port of Mobile located north of the Wallace Tunnel. Figures emphasized that no immediate tunnel-removal project has been proposed; the language is designed to preserve future federal funding options.
The bill would also make the Alabama Port Authority eligible to pursue Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements grants for dockside rail modernization. Figures’ Bus Operator Safety and Security Act was incorporated as well, requiring protective barriers around drivers’ workstations on newly purchased federally funded buses.
“Ensuring that our roads, bridges, ports, and rail are up to date … is essential to our public safety and economy,” Figures said.
Supporters contend that stronger infrastructure can attract employers, protect motorists and help Alabama businesses transport goods more efficiently. However, final funding levels and specific project awards will depend upon congressional negotiations, federal appropriations and future applications from state and local agencies.