The Port of Mobile reportedly produced $85 billion in value for the State of Alabama last year, making it an economic engine.
“In addition to serving all 67 counties in the state, we are strategically positioned to offer service directly into the middle of the country, providing an uncongested and fluid gateway into key North American markets in less time and at less expense than other coastal ports,” Alabama Port Authority Director and CEO John C. Driscoll reportedly said.
A 2021 Economic Impact Study produced by the Alabama Port Authority concluded that the growing Gulf of Mexico port is the foundation of 312,896 jobs — approximately one in every seven statewide — including truck drivers who haul goods and materials in and out of terminals. The Port of Mobile also generates upwards of $2 billion in local and state tax revenue annually.
While the positive impact the Port of Mobile is having on the state’s economy is a reason for celebration, its two-year growth is staggering. The study indicates that from calendar year 2019 through 2021, the economic impact increased by 217 percent. The metric included a 94 percent rise in jobs and 225 percent more in tax revenue.
“These numbers make it clear that the Port of Mobile is a tremendous asset to the State of Alabama. Economic activity at the Port radiates across the entire state – whether it’s auto manufacturing, agriculture, logistics, space and defense, forest products, energy, or any of the myriad of other industries that make Alabama great, every corner of the state sees some benefit from the Port’s work,” Driscoll reportedly said.
The Port of Mobile has been on a blistering pace as global trade routes have benefited Gulf and East Coast states. After a record-setting July, in which the port handled 52,911 twenty-foot containers (TEU), September saw 56,545 move across its docks. All told, the port enjoyed freight movement of 421,232 TEUs to date, a 14 percent overall improvement, including 16 percent in refrigerated goods over 2021.
Although the two-year growth numbers could be attributed to the West Coast supply chain bottlenecks in 2021, Alabama has been growing consistently during the last five years. Volume reportedly rose by 54.9 percent since 2017, largely due to its freight transportation location. The Port of Mobile provides easy access to a pair of international airports, and expedited truck transportation through I-65, and I-10. Officials have also been investing in port infrastructure and projects that allow larger vessels to dock.
“We believe that the Port of Mobile is the most dynamic, compelling port in America, and as we look ahead to an expanded container terminal, a deeper and wider ship channel, intermodal rail, and inland ports, these numbers will only grow. While these results are a sign of the progress made to date, we know there is more room for growth in our future and look forward to continuing to deliver for our customers and the entire State of Alabama,” Driscoll reportedly said.
Sources: ajot.com, alreporter.com
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