The Mobile River Bridge and Bayway project has been awarded a $550 million grant through the U.S. Department of Transportation's (USDOT) Bridge Investment Program, the second-largest in the program's history.

It is also believed to be one of the largest federal grants ever received for an Alabama project, per the Baldwin County Economic Development Alliance.

"This is incredible news for Baldwin and Mobile counties, the Gulf Coast and Alabama at large," U.S. Rep. Jerry Carl (R-AL) said in an announcement July 12. "I am excited that Team Alabama's efforts are paying off and becoming a reality for Alabamians. I remain committed to fighting for every additional federal dollar for this bridge, and I will be working with (U.S.) Sen. (Katie) Britt and Sen. (Tommy) Tuberville, as well as Gov. Ivey and local officials, to continue pushing this project across the finish line."

The monumental project milestone comes just over a month removed from USDOT's request to begin an application process for a Transportation Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (TIFIA) loan to support improvement efforts, which is still in the process of being finalized, according to ALDOT Chief Engineer Ed Austin.

"ALDOT will submit this application at the maximum amount allowed, which is 49% of the project cost," ALDOT stated Monday, June 10, regarding the TIFIA loan. "This low-interest federal loan, while not guaranteed, would mean that nearly half of the project would receive the best and most competitive financing available. ALDOT has also submitted applications to USDOT for federal discretionary grants under three separate programs for projects of this nature."

Fairhope City Councilman Jack Burrell, also chair of the Eastern Shore Metropolitan Planning Organization (ESMPO), called this the most significant moment in the project's history.

"On behalf of the Eastern Shore MPO, I would like to thank the federal government and the USDOT for their support for the Mobile River Bridge and Bayway project," Burrell said. "The Eastern Shore MPO, our counterparts in Mobile, ALDOT and the governor have all worked tirelessly to advocate for this project and to ensure that it's built in a way that benefits local residents and addresses national needs. It is a project that deserves federal support like what was announced today, and with the USDOT's continued support, we can build this bridge soon."

Due to overwhelming congestion where I-10 connects Mobile and Baldwin counties, ALDOT created a plan that would provide a new 2.5-mile-long, six-lane cable stay bridge over Mobile River standing 215 feet tall, as well as 7.5 miles of new bridges with eight lanes running across Mobile Bay above the 100-year storm surge level.

As Gulf Coast Media has previously reported, despite costs being projected in the range of $3 to $3.5 billion (almost double ALDOT's annual budget), officials have maintained their commitment to seeing this project move forward.

"This project is essentially shovel-ready except for an inflation-driven gap in funding," ALDOT added in a news release. "At the end of the day, we need the federal government to continue working with us in recognizing the national importance of this project and join us in making it a reality. Based on our progress — with all right-of-way acquired, necessary federal approvals secured and federal loan processes initiated — we believe that the Mobile River Bridge and Bayway project is the most advanced of any similar project in the country. ALDOT and the MPOs remain committed to this project, and we will continue to seek the additional federal funding we need to begin construction."