WASHINGTON, D. C. -- U.S. Senator Richard Shelby (R-AL), a senior member of the Transportation, Treasury, Judiciary, Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Appropriations Subcommittee, today announced funding for several projects included in the Fiscal Year 2006 Transportation, Treasury, Judiciary, HUD Appropriations Bill. This bill was approved by the Senate Appropriations Committee today and now heads to the Senate for consideration.

Senator Shelby said, “I am pleased that the bill provides funding for important projects across the state. These funds reflect our commitment to safe and efficient transportation, infrastructure development, and economic growth activities.”

Alabama State Docks - $5.4 million

Senator Shelby said, “The Alabama State Docks have the potential to become one of America's most economically viable ports in this century because of the proximity to emerging trade routes on the Gulf of Mexico. I am pleased that the bill provides $5.4 million in funding to modernize this important asset to our state by constructing an intermodal containerized freight terminal.”

Preliminary data indicates Alabama will need to expand its current dockside facilities that handle and store containerized cargo.

Mobile Waterfront Infrastructure Development - $1.5 million

Senator Shelby said, “These funds will be used to construct an accessway to provide a safe, pedestrian route to the Maritime Center of the Gulf.”

Mobile Courthouse Construction - $2 million

Senator Shelby said, “I am pleased that this bill includes $2 million for the Mobile Federal Courthouse. These funds will be used for the construction of a new federal courthouse.”

Mitchell College of Business Library - $400,000

Senator Shelby said, “These funds will be used by the University of South Alabama for construction of a library at the Mitchell College of Business. It is important that students have access to necessary resources while attending college, and these funds will help the University of South Alabama further expand this library.”

Evergreen/Conecuh County Public Library Expansion - $300,000

Senator Shelby said, “These funds will be used for expansion of the Evergreen library in Conecuh County. Expansion of the library’s resources will provide residents of this economically-distressed area with important educational tools.”

Mobile Regional Airport

Senator Shelby said, “I am pleased the bill directs the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Administrator to give priority consideration to the Mobile Regional Airport for land acquisition.”

University of South Alabama - Center for the Study of Rural Vehicular Trauma - $350,000

Senator Shelby said, “The bill provides $350,000 to continue the important research done at the University of South Alabama.” This research is designed to collect and analyze data on rural vehicular trauma victims for the purpose of identifying the cause of fatalities. Based on these findings, the Center will develop a trauma system that will utilize available resources to reduce morbidity and mortality for these rural accident victims.

Abbeville Airport

Senator Shelby said, “I am pleased the bill directs the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Administrator to give priority consideration to the Abbeville Airport to extend the airport’s runway and make necessary upgrades to attract new industry and business opportunities for the area.”

Southern Fuel Cell Coalition - $1.5 million

Senator Shelby said, “These funds will be used for the Southern Fuel Cell Coalition which will serve the Southeastern United States. The coalition will work to tackle the challenges and opportunities that face fuel cell development and hydrogen infrastructure in the South.”

Alabama Area Agencies on Aging - $500,000

Senator Shelby said, “I am pleased this bill includes $500,000 for van replacement for the Alabama Area Agencies on Aging. These critical resources allow this agency to continue providing much needed transportation options for Alabama’s senior citizens.”

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