Title
A Resolution Supporting the I-10 Mobile River Bridge / Bay Way Widening Project
Summary
DESCRIPTION OF TOPIC: (who, what, when, where, why, and how much)
The Mayor has been to Washington, DC as part of a delegation supporting another bridge to alleviate traffic congestion on I-10 Bay Way. ALDOT is requesting a resolution and letter supporting this effort.
Body
WHEREAS, the Mobile community continues to wrestle with increasing congestion along Interstate Highway 10 (I10), and studies have revealed the I-10 tunnels under the Mobile River to be a major cause of congestion, threatening public safety as well as the vitality of our local and regional economy, and impacting tourism; and
WHEREAS, the Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT) has for many years studied how to alleviate existing and projected traffic congestion while improving highway safety and driving conditions on I-10, particularly in emergencies such as hurricane evacuations, and reducing hazardous materials traversing the central business district in Mobile, and
WHEREAS, ALDOT has sought to ensure that a proposed solution not jeopardize maritime commerce and construction and have minimal environmental impact, while moving the most people and product possible, and
WHEREAS, ALDOT initially identified fourteen potential, alternative bridge routes which, after further study, were narrowed to five and, after public comment and input, to three routes south of downtown Mobile, and
WHEREAS, strong current and future economic growth in the area make critical the need to decide the location of the proposed bridge and move forward with construction.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the City Council of the City of Foley, Alabama, hereby endorses and supports ALDOT's ongoing efforts to address local and interstate traffic needs in a manner sensitive to commercial and maritime concerns, while also addressing safety and environmental issues, and urges a reasoned but speedy decision as to the location of the proposed bridge.