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Council authorizes application for up to $40 million in port infrastructure funds; councilors highlight inland port
Summary
Council approved a resolution authorizing the mayor to apply for Port Infrastructure Development Program funds (MARAD) of up to $40 million, noting Birmingham's inland port and a local match arrangement with WATCO.
The Birmingham City Council approved a resolution authorizing the mayor to apply for and accept grant funds through the U.S. Department of Transportation Maritime Administration's Port Infrastructure Development Program for projects to improve port and intermodal connections.
Councilor Williams moved Item 16 out of the consent agenda to highlight the city's inland port and the importance of the potential federal award. Williams said the city's partnership with WATCO to provide the local match "is such a huge, an absolute huge win." Staff described the measure as an authorization to apply for funds in an amount up to and including a $40,000,000 match figure listed in the agenda; the council approved the resolution by voice vote.
Councilors said the funding would support economic development and strengthen Birmingham's role in regional supply chains; the resolution authorizes application and acceptance of grant funds but does not itself commit construction funds until project scope and agreements are finalized.
