BIRMINGHAM INLAND PORT
STRADA assisted the City of Birmingham, Alabama with the Birmingham Inland Port project in 2016. The City of Birmingham continues to investigate the development potential of an inland port on the Locust Fork of the Warrior River for serving the surrounding region. Development potential likely exists along the M-65 Marine Highway Corridor for additional barge and container service. Not only will this improve cargo access to the surrounding region, but there would also be benefits in alleviating congestion along existing road and rail routes.
The City has completed a feasibility study and a development strategy for moving forward with creating an inland port on the Locust Fork of the Warrior River. The feasibility study presents the benefits of an inland port to the City and the region in creating jobs, increasing the tax base, improving waterway utilization, and reducing congestion and pollution. The development strategy outlined the path for moving the port development forward.
STRADA was authorized to assist the City of Birmingham in the following:
- Forming the Birmingham-Jefferson County Port Authority (Authority)
- Developing a strategic implementation plan
- Exploring a public-private partnership with an existing port operator
These activities included the preparation of documents for the formation of the Authority and obtaining approvals from the City of Birmingham, the Jefferson County Commission, and the Alabama State Port Authority.