Montgomery, AL – The Alabama Port Authority, in collaboration with CSX Transportation, has officially started construction on a long-anticipated container transfer facility in Montgomery. Governor Kay Ivey hailed the project as a “historic investment in Alabama’s infrastructure”, emphasizing its role in strengthening freight mobility and economic development across the state.
A Major Step Forward for Alabama’s Shipping Industry
The Montgomery Intermodal Container Transfer Facility (ICTF) is designed to streamline cargo movement between central Alabama and the Port of Mobile, offering seamless rail and truck connectivity. The facility, strategically located near Interstate 85 and U.S. Highway 31, spans 272 acres and will feature 25,016 feet of track. Once completed, it is expected to handle 60,000 TEU (twenty-foot equivalent units) per year, roughly equating to 30,000 shipping containers.
“This really opens up global markets in a way that is going to be unheralded for our state,” said John Driscoll, director of the Alabama Port Authority. “The Montgomery ICTF is a critical piece of infrastructure that will fuel economic growth statewide and strengthen Alabama’s position in global trade.”
Enhancing Efficiency & Competitiveness
One of the key advantages of the new facility is its efficiency in cargo transportation. Alabama already boasts some of the fastest cargo movement times in the country, and the new ICTF will further enhance this advantage.
“Alabama’s port moves cargo faster and at a better overall cost than anywhere else in America,” Governor Ivey stated. “In other parts of the country, such as California, moving a container can take up to two or three hours. But here, in Mobile, it takes just 45 minutes or less. That’s why businesses are increasingly choosing to ship their goods through Alabama.”
The project, originally announced in 2022, is expected to generate:
- 2,618 new jobs
- $340 million in business revenue
- $14.2 million in state and local tax revenue
Since the project’s announcement, the surrounding area has already witnessed over $3 billion in private sector investments, with Governor Ivey expressing optimism that more businesses will be drawn to the facility’s strategic location.
Boosting Jobs & Opportunities Across Alabama
The benefits of the Montgomery ICTF extend beyond just faster shipping and cost savings. Officials highlight its impact on job creation and overall economic growth for workers across Alabama.
“This facility will not only increase transport efficiency but also create opportunities for Alabama workers—not just in Montgomery and Mobile, but throughout the state,” Driscoll emphasized.
Governor Ivey reinforced this sentiment, calling the Port of Mobile “the most connected port in the nation.” She added, “This investment in our state’s infrastructure will solidify Alabama’s role as a leader in global shipping and logistics. More jobs, more businesses, and more economic prosperity for every corner of the state.”
The impact of Alabama’s port system reaches as far north as DeKalb County, where nearly 3,000 jobs and $187 million in economic activity are directly linked to the port’s operations, according to Speaker of the Alabama House of Representatives Nathaniel Ledbetter.
A Bright Future for Alabama’s Shipping Industry
Speaker Ledbetter believes Alabama is just beginning to realize its potential in the shipping industry.
“Alabama is moving forward like never before,” he said. “With projects like the Montgomery ICTF, our state is positioned for long-term success in logistics, trade, and job creation.”
The Montgomery ICTF is funded by federal appropriations secured by former U.S. Senator Richard Shelby. The facility is expected to be fully operational by 2027, resembling the existing Mobile ICTF in its design and functionality.
With this major infrastructure project now underway, Alabama is set to strengthen its role in global trade, providing faster, more cost-effective shipping solutions while fueling statewide economic growth.
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