Infrastructure is the backbone of Alabama’s economy. From roads and bridges to ports, rail systems, and airports, the ability to move people, goods, and services efficiently is essential to economic growth, job creation, and long-term prosperity.
Dr. Stewart Tankersley believes infrastructure investments must be strategic, disciplined, and focused on projects that deliver real, measurable benefits for Alabama families, workers, and businesses. Every dollar spent should strengthen the state’s competitiveness, improve safety, and support long-term economic development.
At the same time, he is clear on one important point: Alabama families should not be forced to shoulder unnecessary tax increases to fund these investments. Since 2018, the state gas tax has increased by roughly 66 percent, placing a growing burden on working families, small businesses, and farmers. Dr. Tankersley believes those increases have added pressure at the pump and driven up the cost of everyday goods across the state.
He supports repealing the recent gas tax increases and believes Alabama can meet its infrastructure needs by prioritizing existing resources, improving efficiency, and ensuring that transportation dollars are spent responsibly. This is a core part of his commitment to making Alabama more affordable and holding government accountable.
As Lieutenant Governor and presiding officer of the Alabama Senate, Dr. Tankersley will work closely with both the Legislature and the Governor to ensure infrastructure policy is aligned, coordinated, and results-driven.
Infrastructure is also one of the most important tools Alabama has to recruit new industry and expand existing businesses. Companies looking to invest in Alabama evaluate transportation access, logistics networks, workforce mobility, and overall connectivity. Strong highways, modern ports, reliable rail systems, and well-positioned airports are often key factors in those decisions.
Dr. Tankersley understands that economic development and infrastructure go hand in hand. By prioritizing smart investments, Alabama can continue to attract manufacturers, distribution centers, technology companies, and other industries that bring high-quality jobs and long-term growth. At the same time, improving infrastructure strengthens supply chains, supports agriculture and small businesses, and ensures rural communities are not left behind.
Effective leadership requires partnership, and he believes strong collaboration between the executive branch and lawmakers is critical to advancing projects that move the state forward.
He also believes taxpayers deserve full transparency and accountability in how infrastructure dollars are spent. Funding directed to transportation and infrastructure should be used efficiently, with clear oversight and a focus on projects that improve safety, reduce congestion, and expand economic opportunity.
By working with the Governor, the Alabama Senate, and local leaders across the state, Dr. Tankersley will support a long-term infrastructure strategy that strengthens Alabama’s economy, improves quality of life, and positions the state for continued growth.
Strong infrastructure is not just about roads and bridges. It is about opportunity, competitiveness, and building a stronger future for Alabama, without placing unnecessary burdens on the people who make that future possible.