Mobile could see part of Biden’s $ 5 billion reduction in Alabama infrastructure bill

ALABAMA (WKRG) – President Joe Biden’s newly signed infrastructure bill is expected to bring Alabama over $ 5 billion, and Mobile could see a significant chunk of that money.
Biden signed the trillion dollar bipartisan infrastructure deal earlier this month. It funds the repair of the country’s aging ports, roads and public transport. It is also investing in clean water and expanding broadband access. This bill is the largest investment dedicated to a bridge since the construction of the interstate highway system.
The Biden administration is seeking $ 5.2 billion for federal highway assistance programs and $ 225 million for bridge replacement and repair in Alabama over the next five years. These large numbers are needed for the 620 bridges and over 2,950 miles of highway listed in poor condition. The American Society of Civil Engineers estimates that 11 percent of Alabama’s roads are in poor condition, giving the state a C rating on its infrastructure newsletter.
In the past, legislation has prioritized repairing roads and bridges over building new ones. But the Bayway Bridge project could see dollars pushed towards it with this bill. Previous discussions have set the estimated cost of this project at $ 725 million.
The spending plan has a huge amount of money beyond roads and bridges. It breaks down as follows:
- $ 400 million for public transportation
- $ 100 million to develop broadband Internet coverage
- $ 782 to improve drinking water. $ 140 million for airport upgrades
- $ 79 million to build statewide charging stations for electric vehicles
Other projects potentially on the ticket include Mobile’s downtown airport and building a new terminal to bring in commercial flights.
As to how this money is distributed among the municipalities, there is no clear answer. The city of Mobile says it is in its early stages and does not have enough guidance on which projects will qualify or how some of the new programs will work.
“The City has a multitude of infrastructure priorities, and we are closely monitoring existing and new programs emerging from this bundle to determine where there are opportunities for these federal funds to be part of any infrastructure solution.”
Mobile Mayor Stimpson
Over the next few days and weeks, the White House expects to receive additional data on the impact of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act in Alabama. The White House says the values are estimates and may change based on updated factor data each fiscal year.
For a breakdown of potential funding, you can see the Alabama fact sheet here.