Governor Kay Ivey Announced The recent news that the state of Alabama has agreed to purchase the Folly Beach Express Bridge and eliminate tolls likely elicited cheers from Alabamians across the state.

Orange Beach Mayor Tony Kennon said the announcement was “good for everyone – our residents, our businesses and our tourists.” put it.

“His sentiment speaks to the widespread support for this agreement because it is truly a good deal for everyone. The leaders who made this happen — Governor Ivey, local officials, the Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT) and the Baldwin County Bridge Company — deserve credit.”

If the deal is finalized in May, Alabamians and tourists alike will see immediate benefits.

New toll routes to Alabama's beaches have clear benefits: For more than 20 years, toll bridges have provided a vital link to our beach communities. More than 5.6 million vehicles used toll bridges in 2023 alone.

More than 8 million tourists visit Baldwin County each year, nearly one-third of all visitors to the state of Alabama. The vast majority of visitors, more than 6 million, come to Baldwin County to experience its beautiful beaches.

We encourage these visitors to “Leave Only Footprints” and, of course, leave money behind. And they do. Tourists visiting our beaches pump approximately $8 billion into our economy and support 65,000 tourism jobs across the state.

Of course, this is especially important in Baldwin County: tourism is the county's No. 1 industry, and tourism tax revenues make up a large portion of the budgets of both Gulf Shores and Orange Beach counties.

But the economic benefits go far beyond a single county: A portion of each community's hotel and retail sales tax revenues goes into the state's Education Trust Fund, ensuring schools in every community in Alabama benefit from beach tourism.

The agreement will not only waive the $5 toll to cross the bridge, but it will also ease long-standing traffic congestion issues in the area.

When John Cooper was appointed ALDOT Director in 2011, he held a series of meetings in Baldwin County to identify local priorities. Relieving traffic congestion along Highway 59 was identified as the area’s biggest transportation need. This congestion causes long delays for residents and visitors and impedes emergency response, access to hospitals and hurricane evacuations.

The Folly Beach Express was designed to provide a quicker route to the private toll bridge and relieve congestion on Highway 59. However, many travelers used the express to get closer to the beach, but avoided the bridge because they didn't want to pay the toll. As a result, the toll bridge was not a solution to the congestion on Highway 59, and it only made it worse.

With tolls now eliminated, this agreement means the bridge can finally help ease traffic congestion on Highway 59. This will greatly improve traffic flow, making travel in the region smoother and easier.

Finally, the agreement includes additional road improvements. As part of the agreement, ALDOT will proceed with widening Canal Road and improve the intersection of Routes 161 and 180. Additionally, construction continues on a second toll bridge over the Intracoastal Waterway. When completed in 2026, this bridge will further reduce traffic congestion on Highway 59, improve access for emergency services, and make evacuations safer and faster.

“Achieving a positive outcome like this takes teamwork, and this agreement is proof of that. Under the direction of Governor Ivey, this team, which included local leaders, ALDOT Administrator John Cooper and the bridge company, reached a groundbreaking agreement that benefits all Alabamians.

By promoting beach access, allowing people to save money and invest in local infrastructure, we will boost Alabama's economy, sustain jobs and provide great benefits to our schools and communities. Great job, team!

Lee Sentell was reappointed by Governor Kay Ivey to serve as Alabama Tourism Director in 2022 and has overseen an increase in tourism revenues for the state from $6 billion in 2003 to $22 billion in 2022. This will be his sixth term in the Alabama Governor's Cabinet.