SBCC Leadership Series Featured Rick Clark, Deputy Director & Chief Operating Officer of the Alabama Port Authority

FOLEY, AL – October 2025 – The South Baldwin Chamber of Commerce hosted its October Leadership Series luncheon at the Foley Civic Center, welcoming Rick Clark, Deputy Director & Chief Operating Officer of the Alabama Port Authority, as the featured guest speaker. Presented by Vulcan Inc., the luncheon brought business leaders together for a detailed look into the growth, modernization, and statewide economic influence of the Port of Mobile.

Clark shared a compelling overview of the Port Authority’s ongoing capital investments, modernization projects, and long-term strategies designed to strengthen Alabama’s competitiveness in global trade. According to the Alabama Port Authority’s data presented during the luncheon, the Port generated more than $98 billion in total economic value to the state and supported one in every seven jobs statewide, illustrating the critical role marine cargo activity plays in Alabama’s economy.

He highlighted several major investment areas, including more than $2 billion in federal, state, and Port Authority capital investments over the next decade, focused on projects such as channel deepening and widening, container terminal expansion, general cargo pier improvements, and modernization of the McDuffie Coal Terminal.

Clark also provided an update on the Harbor Modernization Program, which includes a $366 million investment with 75% federal funding. This project—currently on schedule—aims to achieve a 50-foot-deep channel by mid-2025, which would make Alabama home to the deepest seaport in the Gulf of Mexico. Additional updates included beneficial-use restoration work currently underway along Fowl River, Deer River, and the Dauphin Island Causeway.

Looking ahead, Clark discussed major growth on the horizon for the Container Terminal, which is slated for more than $1.3 billion in capacity expansion through a public-private partnership with APM Terminals. Future planning includes an increase to TEUs, expanded acreage, and rail infrastructure improvements that position the Port to serve even greater cargo volume.

He also highlighted the forthcoming Montgomery Inland Intermodal Container Transfer Facility, a $100 million state, federal, and port investment that will extend Mobile Harbor’s reach inland. With an anticipated opening in 2027, the site has already spurred more than $8 billion in related private investment within an eight-mile radius, with additional potential sites being explored across the state.

During the luncheon, attendees also gained insights into additional investment priorities—including general cargo pier rehabilitation, warehouse optimization, and system upgrades at the McDuffie Coal Terminal, which is projected to double capacity by 2027.

As part of the Chamber’s initiative to highlight nonprofit members, the luncheon also featured two local organizations—Family Promise of Baldwin County and Sea Glass Initiative—each invited to share information about their missions and community impact.

The Chamber also extends its appreciation to Educational Enrichment sponsor, Warren Averett, for continuing to support student participation throughout the Leadership Series.

The South Baldwin Chamber’s Leadership Series continues to connect local business leaders with key decision-makers shaping Alabama’s economic future. The Chamber extends its sincere thanks to Rick Clark and the Alabama Port Authority for providing a valuable and forward-looking update to our membership.

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