2024 Legislative Summary for December

The Twelve Days of Baldwin County Christmas
By Rep. Matt Simpson

This holiday season, as we gather with family and friends, I’m reflecting on a year of incredible progress for Baldwin County. In the spirit of the season, I thought it fitting to celebrate our achievements and events to the tune of The Twelve Days of Christmas. While I promise not to sing, here’s a rundown of our “twelve days” worth of highlights:

1. The opening of the Baldwin County Preparatory Academy that is already a gamechanger in the realm of workforce development and vocational education for our region and state. This school is the crown jewel of Baldwin County education, and I could not be prouder to have such a forward-thinking, innovative school in our county.
2. The continuing development of the Novelis plant at our North Baldwin Megasite in Bay Minette, as it already is showing an economic impact on the northernmost regions of Baldwin County and we’re just getting started. Can’t wait to see the additional high-paying jobs and other economic benefits this incredible new industry is building here in Baldwin County.
3. Three decades of economic development excellence with this year’s 30^th anniversary of the Baldwin County Economic Development Alliance. Lee Lawson and his team there continue to bring business after business, industry after industry to our county and we are certainly thankful for their continued great work on our county’s behalf.
4. $400,000 in funding for helicopter flight time for the safety flights down on the beaches at the Gulf, which have already made a difference in saving lives and preventing drowning deaths. This is a vital program that deserves every penny we can find for it
5. $5 million to help fund improvements and upgrades to the Port of Mobile, which continues to be a key economic engine for our region and our state. Our continued economic prosperity looks brighter with every dollar we can bring back to help expand the great projects and commerce going on at our port.
6. Nearly $600,000 in funding for Coastal Alabama Community College’s tech and manufacturing programs, to make certain that the students of today will quickly transition to the workforce of tomorrow with all the skills and knowledge necessary to get the high-paying, high-skilled jobs our economy is demanding.
7. Seven Baldwin County municipalities receiving almost $12 million in GOMESA funding this year to assist with great quality of life enhancing projects like the Miracle League ballfields in Summerdale, Orange Beach’s Sea, Sand and Stars education project, Daphne’s sewer lift station upgrades and Spanish Fort’s Honor Park buildout. It’s always a good day when we’ve got millions of dollars of money being generated in our waters coming back to the place where the money is created for our benefit.
8. No more tolls for the Beach Express Bridge to cross over into Orange Beach after Gov. Ivey announced that the State of Alabama would be buying the bridge and abolishing the toll. Certainly a nice way to keep some extra money in our pocket books this year while still getting to jet down to enjoy our white, sugar-sand beaches on the Island.
9. The $550 million discretionary grant secured by our Congressional delegation in Washington D.C. for the Mobile River Bridge and Bayway Project. This is one of the largest federal grants ever received for an Alabama project and we all know it will be put to good use for this overdue infrastructure upgrade.
10. Over $1 million in budget appropriations to Historic Blakeley State Park, a hidden gem of Baldwin County that I am proud to say is part of my district and an attraction that blends natural beauty, rich history and family fun together in a way that everyone should come and enjoy.
11. Over $2 million in funding for the USS Alabama Battleship Park, another historical landmark and amazing attraction that spurs tourism from both within our county and from across the globe, all under the direction of retiring park director Maj. Gen. Janet Cobb, who should be commended and celebrated for her excellent management of one of our area’s key assets.
12. And, finally, the 12^th day is going to actually be celebrating a different number: 10, the number of members that our Baldwin County Legislative Delegation consists of – three Senators and seven Representatives. I am thankful for my fellow delegation members and our shared commitment to the betterment of Baldwin County and the lives of the people therein.

So, in closing, we have had a great 2024 in Baldwin County with much to make merry with and glad tidings that should make for a holly, jolly Christmas for each and every one of us and putting us on good footing to have an even better, brighter and bigger 2025. Merry Christmas to all and to all a good new year.

As always, if you have an issue or a question, never hesitate to reach out by emailing me at [email protected].