MOBILE, Alabama (WALA) – Much excitement and a sigh of relief for a day that has been 30 years in the making.

“Oh, this is unbelievable, this is one of those moments where you think I have to pinch myself,” said Second District Commissioner Connie Hudson.

The Mobile County Commission approved a $23 million construction bid to begin the first phase of the new aquatic center, which will include a 50-meter outdoor pool and a warm-up pool for instruction. The larger facilities could mean a bigger schedule for the City of Mobile Swim Association.

“Now there’s more space, more people coming from all over,” said Daryl Gomien, vice president of CMSA. “And the swim teams will bring more swimmers, that’s the most important thing.”

Currently, the swimming meets are held at Bishop State, but Danny Corte of the Mobile Sports Authority says once the entire project is completed, Mobile could be able to host larger events like the Southeastern Championships.

“There are thousands of swimmers coming and of course they all spend money on every kind of competition. The facilities are the most important thing,” said Danny Corte of the Mobile Sports Authority. “This aquatic center will bring us up to the level of other big cities.”

CMSA members believe that this facility could help the sport and their team achieve greater success.

“I think a better facility will bring more swimmers to our team and a larger team will create a better atmosphere and help us compete in bigger competitions,” said CMSA swimmer Riley Childress.

“We look forward to working with the young people in our community and hope to inspire them to pursue a sport that they will enjoy for the rest of their lives,” said CMSA Head Coach Tyler Kerns.

Commissioner Hudson says a groundbreaking ceremony is planned for the next few weeks and that she hopes phase one will be completed in 12 to 18 months thereafter.

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