In a significant move towards infrastructure development and environmental conservation, Governor Kay Ivey announced the allocation of over $67 million for 27 projects in Mobile and Baldwin Counties. These funds, derived from the Gulf of Mexico Energy Security Act of 2006 (GoMESA), will be invested in a range of initiatives, including sewer infrastructure, water quality improvements, research, land acquisitions, and recreational access improvements.

The projects funded by GoMESA are diverse and far-reaching. They include the Beach Renourishment Engineering, Design and Permitting project in Dauphin Island, which received $1,250,000, and the Lewis Landing Public Access project in Mobile County, which was allocated $1,500,000. Other notable projects include the Cedar Point Boat Ramp in Mobile County, which received $4,300,000, and the Nature Parks Expansion in Foley, which was granted $5,000,000.

The funds will also support the Perdido Watershed Land Acquisition Fund with $7,000,000 and the Spanish Fort Causeway Improvements with $3,000,000. The GoMESA 2023 Administration will receive $397,988, and the West Fowl River and Heron Bay Land Acquisition (4,740 acres) in Mobile County will be supported with $5,214,000. The Beach Club West Acquisition in Gulf Highlands will receive $4,000,000, and the Mt. Vernon Boating Access Improvements in Mobile County will be granted $2,000,000. The GoMESA 2022 Administration will receive $278,686.

During the announcement at the GulfQuest Maritime Museum, Governor Ivey emphasized the critical role these projects will play across the state. She expressed her appreciation for the vital partnerships and communities that helped implement these projects. She stated, “Working closely with Commissioner Blankenship, I am pleased to report today that over $67 million dollars have been allocated to fund projects to further protect this region and provide quality public accessibility to the rivers, bay and other waterways of South Alabama."

She further added that the projects would vastly improve water quality in Mobile Bay by making sewer infrastructure improvements, converting septic tanks to sanitary sewers, and performing vital streambank and shoreline restorations. She also highlighted the importance of studying ways to improve the resiliency of the Port and bolster the scientific knowledge base of Mobile Bay and the Gulf of Mexico.

The GoMESA funds have been instrumental in driving infrastructure development and environmental conservation efforts in Alabama. With this announcement, 78 GoMESA projects, worth more than $180 million, have been awarded during the Ivey Administration. The funds, which are shared by the four Gulf Producing States and their eligible coastal political subdivisions (CPS), come from qualified revenues from Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) oil and gas leases issued since December 20, 2006.

The allocation of these funds demonstrates Alabama's commitment to improving its infrastructure, protecting its natural resources, and enhancing the quality of life for its residents. As these projects move forward, they will undoubtedly contribute to the state's ongoing growth and development.

PROJECT LIST FROM GOVERNOR'S OFFICE

2023 State of Alabama Funded GoMESA Projects

• Dauphin Island Beach Renourishment Engineering, Design and Permitting: $1,250,000
• Lewis Landing Public Access Mobile County: $1,500,000
• Chocolatta Bay Boat Ramp Replacement Mobile Causeway: $650,000
• Cedar Point Boat Ramp Mobile County: $4,300,000
• Foley Nature Parks Expansion: $5,000,000
• The Launch at CR6 Boat Ramp Baldwin County: $4,820,000
• Viewpoint Boat Ramp Improvement Weeks Bay: $1,678,800
• Daphne Bayfront Park Amphitheater and Park Improvements: $7,200,000
• Chickasaw Stormwater Management Improvements Phase I: $2,474,500
• Daphne Utilities Hwy 90 Force Main Stabilization: $187,500
• Robertsdale Centennial Park Amphitheater: $2,000,000
• Fairhope Magnolia Beach Renourishment: $620,000
• Fairhope Fly Creek Stream Restoration Project: $2,740,000
• Mobile County Water, Sewer, and Fire Septic to Sewer Project: $1,327,500
• Chickasaw Brooks Park Public Access Phase II: $485,000
• Dauphin Island Water and Sewer Rehabilitation Project: $3,246,455
• Port of Mobile Coastal Resiliency Study: $200,000
• Bartram and Perdido Canoe Trails Expansion: $1,906,000
• USA Healthy Oceans Initiative Phase II: $1,229,154
• City of Mobile Hall’s Mill Creek Public Access Project: $2,500,000
• Perdido Watershed Land Acquisition Fund: $7,000,000
• Spanish Fort Causeway Improvements: $3,000,000
• GoMESA 2023 Administration: $397,988
• West Fowl River and Heron Bay Land Acquisition (4,740 acres): $5,214,000
• Beach Club West Acquisition: $4,000,000
• Mt. Vernon Boating Access Improvements: $2,000,000
• GoMESA Administration 2022: $278,686

Total: $67,205,633