The government is considering a plan to enlarge the ship channel through Mobile Bay.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has opened a public comment period on the $388 million proposal.
The Alabama State Port Authority initiated the project. Director Jimmy Lyons says it’s needed for Mobile to stay competitive as larger cargo ships become the norm.
But Al.com reports at least two groups are concerned about the plan.
Some in the seafood industry worry that a deeper and wider channel will hurt seafood harvesting in the bay. And advocates for Dauphin Island residents say the channel causes erosion.
A Corps spokesman said at least one public meeting on the project is planned. That likely will happen in September.
Republished with the permission of the Associated Press.
