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Committee approves boost to inland port grant program, excludes airports from this program
Summary
HB135 would increase ADECA's inland port grant program from $3 million to $5 million, add specific inland ports (including Bayou LaBattri as written), and clarify airports will not be funded through this program; the committee gave the bill a favorable report.
Representative Brown explained HB135, which raises the ADECA-administered inland port grant program cap from $3,000,000 to $5,000,000 and modifies the bill language so Bayou LaBattri (as listed in the bill text) may participate. The sponsor said the grant funds come from the general fund to ADECA and that the program is for inland ports.
Committee members noted the original bill text had included airports by error; the sponsor and chair said airports already have a separate ALDOT program and that airport language would be removed from the bill summary. Members discussed that airport cargo facilities sometimes pursue port designations, and the sponsor said eligibility depends on how a facility is listed; other grant programs through the FAA and ALDOT might be relevant for airports.
When asked whether any funds had been awarded under the program, the sponsor said no funds have been distributed yet and the program is just starting; he also confirmed the grants require matching funds from ports. Committee members suggested visiting a Montgomery intermodal site tied to Representative Hassell's district to view project progress.
A motion for a favorable report was made and seconded; the committee approved the motion by voice vote. The sponsor thanked members for their support.
