The bill authorizes the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs to facilitate and coordinate the development, improvement, maintenance, and construction of inland ports and transfer facilities within the state. It establishes the Inland Ports and Intermodal Development Fund, which will receive annual appropriations of $2 million from the State General Fund starting in fiscal year 2026 through 2028. The funding will be awarded on a competitive basis for projects that significantly impact local or regional areas, with a focus on reducing highway congestion and enhancing port competitiveness. The bill also outlines eligibility requirements for funding, specifying that it cannot be used for routine maintenance or the establishment of new inland ports without prior feasibility studies.
Additionally, the bill includes definitions for "inland ports," "intermodal facilities," and "port facilities," while explicitly excluding the Port of Mobile from the definition of inland ports. It preserves existing laws governing local port or infrastructure commissions and ensures that no funds or resources are diverted from these entities. The act is set to take effect on October 1, 2024.