MONTGOMERY — Alabama inland port authorities and related organizations seeking to make improvements to their facilities can apply now for grants up to $1 million through the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs.

ADECA’s Energy Division began today accepting applications for infrastructure improvements at inland ports. Applicants can apply for up to $1 million for improvements related to new construction, non-routine maintenance, onsite storage, moorings and other projects. The deadline for submitting grant applications is Dec. 12 and awards are expected to be announced by March 2020.

An inland port is a port located along one of Alabama’s inland waterways that provides an inter-modal transportation hub.

“Throughout Alabama’s history, inland water transportation has played a vital role in helping our state develop and grow. Those same water routes are just as valuable today in helping to produce commerce,” ADECA Director Kenneth Boswell said. “These grants will enable inland ports to increase cargo traffic and get products to coastal waterways where they can be shipped to other ports around the country and the world.”

The program was established through $5 million in funding allocated by the Alabama Legislature in the 2019 regular session. Applicants are required to provide at least a 20 percent match and projects must be completed within two years after the grant award.

Specifics about the grant program are available at www.adeca.alabama.gov/inlandports.

ADECA administers a wide range of programs that support law enforcement, victim programs, economic development, water resource management, energy conservation and recreation.

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Contact Jim Plott or Mike Presley