TWO MAIN DOCKS PROJECTS COMPLETED; CHOCTAW POINT TERMINAL PLANS ADVANCE

A second roll-on, roll-off ramp and additional paving for the lay down of metal and project cargo has been completed at Alabama State Docks. As part of Phase One of the Port’s  $300 million improvement program, the roll-on, roll-off ramp at Pier South A will provide a second berth for ships with straight stern or bow ramps.

The paving at River End D provides additional open storage for metals and project cargo. The newly paved yard is adjacent to River D 2 pier, which was built and placed in operation in late 1999.

Other projects underway include the total reconstruction of Pier North A, which will include a 200,000-square-foot warehouse and additional open storage; a 20 percent expansion of covered storage at Pier South C, the port’s largest forest products terminal, and preliminary engineering and permitting for the port’s Choctaw Point Terminal project. Permit applications were filed in December for the 400-acre container and rail intermodal terminal.

Choctaw Point Terminal will initially have two 1,000-foot ship berths and on-terminal rail intermodal capability. Located on Mobile’s 45-foot ship channel, the terminal is adjacent to Interstate 10 and less than five miles from Interstate 65. The facility can be accessed by four Class I railroads.

James K. Lyons, Docks director and CEO, said, “We are pleased with the progress of our expansion and we expect to initiate Phase II of the development plan later this year.”