FAIRHOPE —Young professionals from across the Eastern Shore gathered Jan. 23 at the Grand Hotel to hear updates from leaders overseeing some of the region's largest transportation, utility and economic development projects.

The discussion was part of the Eastern Shore Chamber of Commerce's Young Professionals Summit, a program aimed at connecting early- and mid-career professionals with civic, business and industry leaders while providing insight into how regional decisions affect long-term growth.

Local leaders overseeing major infrastructure projects shared updates during a panel discussion titled "Decades of Progress," which featured representatives from the Mobile Airport Authority, Alabama Port Authority, Riviera Utilities and regional tourism leadership.

One of the most anticipated updates came from Luckett Robinson, chairman of the Mobile Airport Authority Board of Directors, who shared progress on the new Mobile International Airport expansion currently under construction at the Brookley Aeroplex.

"The plan is for October of 2026 at the Brookley facility, so it's going to be very close to all you Baldwin County folks," Robinson said of the new terminal, which is under construction on the other (east) side of downtown than the current site.

Robinson said studies show about 90% of Baldwin County residents currently fly out of Pensacola, something he believes is about to change. He emphasized the airport's proximity to Interstate 10 and a single-level terminal design intended to streamline travel.

"You will walk in, you will get on a plane and get off a plane all on one level within the facility," he said.

Construction is moving quickly, with crews working nearly around the clock.

"We've got about 250 people working a day on two shifts during the week," Robinson said. "So it's just about an around-the-clock construction project at this point."

AMTRAK BLOWS PAST ANNUAL PROJECTIONS

David Clark, president and CEO of Visit Mobile, said the airport's relocation closer to downtown is part of a broader series of investments happening across the region.

"As air service goes, so does a destination," Clark said. "So, as air service grows, so does connectivity and so does then a destination grow."

Clark pointed to the Port of Mobile, downtown development, Amtrak service and the return of larger cruise ships as factors contributing to increased visitation and business travel. He said Amtrak ridership has already exceeded expectations.

"In the first four and a half months, Amtrak has made the annual projections of ridership," Clark said. "Sixty thousand people have already ridden the train."One of the services Amtrak offers in the region is its Mardi Gras Service, which began Aug. 18, 2025, restoring passenger routes between Mobile and New Orleans for the first time in over two decades since Hurricane Katrina destroyed Gulf Coast rail infrastructure. The twice-daily route stops in Bay St. Louis, Gulfport, Biloxi and Pascagoula along the Mississippi Gulf Coast before reaching New Orleans.

UTILITIES PROJECTS PLANNED TO MATCH PORT EXPANSION

Eric Holbik, vice president of commercial development for the Alabama Port Authority, described what he called a "golden age" for Mobile, highlighting recent infrastructure upgrades and expansion projects.

"We now become the deepest container terminal in the Gulf," Holbik said, referring to the port's new 50-foot channel.

Holbik said expansion of the container terminal and development of an inland port in Montgomery are designed to improve efficiency, increase capacity and reduce truck traffic.

"It's just exciting to see that there's a long-term setup for growth here in Mobile," he said.

Growth also requires foundational support, according to James Wallace, chief administrative officer at Riviera Utilities. Wallace said utilities play a key role in keeping pace with development across Baldwin County.

"Over the next five years, we probably have over $100 million worth of capital improvements planned," Wallace said.

During a discussion on job growth, Robinson tied many future opportunities to port expansion and increased international trade.

"The biggest business opportunity we will see in South Alabama will be driven by the port," Robinson said. "I would love to be your age in South Alabama in the next 30 years."

Clark noted the scale of employment tied to tourism and hospitality across the region.

"It's endless for you," he said.

Gabriella Chavez is a Report for America corps member who writes about growth and development in Baldwin County and our natural spaces for Gulf Coast Media. Your donation to match our RFA grant helps keep her writing stories like this one; please consider making a tax-deductible gift of any amount today by visiting https://tinyurl.com/yaf8yf5n.