AL HB135

Creates the Alabama Port Infrastructure Grant Program and Alabama Port Infrastructure Fund within the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs (ADECA) to fund improvement, maintenance, and construction of ports and intermodal facilities statewide

Expands eligibility from inland ports only to include all ports, coastal ports, and the Port of Mobile, while requiring a 20% local match and capping individual grants at 50% of project costs and 20% of annual program funds

Appropriates $5 million annually from the State General Fund to ADECA for the program, with no more than 10% allowed for administrative costs

Permits funding for capital improvements, dredging, intermodal infrastructure development, port rehabilitation, planning/assessment, and establishing new ports (if feasibility studies are submitted)

Prohibits use of funds for routine maintenance, administrative/operational expenses, or waterway dredging outside the immediate vicinity of port facilities; effective October 1, 2026