U.S. Chamber, Mobile Chamber Convene Rep. Shomari Figures, Alabama Business Leaders on Surface Transportation Reauthorization

MOBILE, AL - The U.S. Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with the Mobile Chamber, convened a roundtable discussion with Rep. Shomari Figures (AL-02) and local business leaders to discuss the importance of a new federal surface transportation bill to support Alabama's economy and communities.

The event, part of the U.S. Chamber's national infrastructure tour and the Keep America Moving initiative, continues to build momentum for renewing long-term federal funding for the nation's roads, bridges, transit programs, and other freight and surface transportation infrastructure, which is scheduled to expire later this year. Among topics discussed were the importance of the Port of Mobile and the Mobile Bridge, two integral arteries to the movement of people, goods, and services along the Gulf.

"I want to thank the U.S. Chamber of Commerce for organizing this important discussion to discuss the critical work that is needed to improve infrastructure in our district," said Congressman Figures. "Today's conversation with key constituencies in our state will help ensure I continue to advocate in the most informed manner for robust investments in our highways, roads, and bridges."

"The U.S. Chamber thanks Rep. Figures for joining us to hear from local business owners on the importance of safe, reliable surface transportation infrastructure for their businesses and communities," said John Drake, Vice President for Transportation, Infrastructure, and Supply Chain Policy at the U.S. Chamber. "This conversation helped illustrate the importance that the next surface transportation bill will be for delivering critical upgrades to the roads, bridges, and ports that keep Mobile growing and competitive for the 21st century economy."

"Mobile is an economic engine for the Gulf Coast: home to one of the nation's busiest ports, a thriving aerospace and manufacturing sector, and a workforce that moves goods and people every single day," said Mobile Chamber President and CEO Bradley Byrne. "But that engine runs on infrastructure, and infrastructure runs on certainty. The surface transportation reauthorization bill before Congress isn't just a policy matter in Washington; it's a lifeline for businesses here in Mobile that are trying to plan, invest and grow. When federal and local partners work together, as we're doing with the U.S. Chamber and Congressman Figures, we get results. Congress must act now to reauthorize these programs, modernize our permitting process and ensure communities like ours have the long-term funding stability needed to compete, not just regionally, but globally."

Keep America Moving is a U.S. Chamber initiative that builds support for federal surface transportation reauthorization-set to expire on September 30, 2026-by convening events in congressional districts nationwide and engaging policymakers in Washington.

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