Stimpson calls for end to sailing order
Mobile Mayor Sandy Stimpson has called on the U.S. to lift its conditional sailing order, which would be a step toward resuming cruises out of Mobile. The Port of Mobile was handling more than 200,000 passengers annually prior to the cruise industry being shut down because of the pandemic. That translates into a more than $12 million economic impact on Mobile, Stimpson says. – Seatrade Cruise News
Decatur Utilities, ADEM agree to settlement
The Alabama Department of Environmental Management has reached an agreement to settle its lawsuit against Decatur Utilities alleging it violated its wastewater discharge permit. If approved by a judge, the agreement would result in upgrades to Decatur Utilities’ wastewater system and payment of $123,000 in fines and court costs. – WHNT 19
Shelby urges Amtrak to resume analysis
Sen. Richard Shelby said Tuesday in a letter that it is “essential” for Amtrak to resume an analysis of the passenger rail’s potential impact on the Port of Mobile and existing freight rail service and port activity. Amtrak announced last month it was restarting service on the Gulf Coast for the first time since 2005; at the same time, it ended talks with Norfolk Southern and CSC Corp. – AL.com
$35 million to state from oil and gas lease revenue
Alabama’s share of $249 million in 2020 oil and gas lease revenue is $35 million, money to be used to support coastal conservation and restoration projects, hurricane protection programs and activities to implement marine and coastal resilience management plans. The money, given to four offshore Gulf oil and gas producing states, is administered by the U.S. Department of the Interior. – OBA
Upscale hotel opening in Huntsville this summer
106 Jefferson, a 115-room upscale boutique hotel, will open in Huntsville in summer 2021 under the Curio Collection by Hilton brand. The hotel, within walking distance to downtown Huntsville, will feature a restaurant, rooftop lounge and more than 2,000 square feet of meetings and event space. – Hospitality Net
