Alabama's primary seaport is marking 85 years in operation in Mobile.
The Alabama State Port was dedicated on June 25, 1928. Back then it was called the "Alabama State Docks" and handled exports of coal, forest products and sugar.
The public terminals still ship coal and forest products, but the cargo today includes automotive components, poultry and steel.
Port Director Jimmy Lyons says the capital investments have increased the seaport's ability to handle huge cargo ships, and that capability will increase with better transportation infrastructure.
The port claims an economic impact of almost $19 billion, and it handled more than 25 million tons of cargo last fiscal year.