Alabama Port Authority to participate in federal review of proposed rail consolidation
MOBILE, Ala. — The Alabama Port Authority (APA) has filed a notice of intent to participate in the Surface Transportation Board’s review of the proposed consolidation of Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern. Submitted on Tuesday, Sept. 8, the procedural filing preserves APA’s ability to participate as a party of record as the proceedings move forward.
An initial review indicates that the UP-NS merger, as currently proposed, could be detrimental to Alabama’s economic interests and many of the state’s rail-reliant industries. In the coming weeks, APA will continue to engage with its railroad partners, Alabama business leaders and other stakeholders as it finalizes its comments to the Surface Transportation Board.
Below is a statement from Alabama Port Authority Director and CEO Doug Otto regarding yesterday’s STB filing. A copy of APA’s notice of intent to participate is attached.
“Our customers, including some of Alabama’s largest industries, depend on rail connections to reach domestic and global markets. As an economic development engine for the state, the Alabama Port Authority has a responsibility to advocate for the businesses we serve and the transportation network they need to grow. We have serious concerns about any railroad consolidation that would limit competition, create the potential for supply chain disruptions and expose businesses to higher transportation costs, particularly at a time when they are already operating on tight margins.” — Doug Otto, Director and CEO of the Alabama Port Authority
About the Alabama Port Authority
The Alabama Port Authority drives economic growth and global trade for the state of Alabama through the Port of Mobile and a growing network of inland multimodal transportation assets.
Strategically located on the central Gulf Coast, the Port of Mobile is one of the nation’s fastest-growing seaports, connecting Alabama businesses and inland markets to international trade lanes. As one of the state’s most important economic engines, the Port supports one in seven jobs and has generated more than $415 billion in economic impact across Alabama since 2019.
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