Alabama secures $87M in coastal eco-restoration projects

The state of Alabama has secured $87 million for seven coastal restoration projects.

The funding was approved by the Gulf Coast Ecosystem Restoration Council (RESTORE Council) on Thursday. The monies for the projects target restoration activities that address injuries resulting from the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill.

“Alabama’s coast is one of God’s greatest blessings to our state, and we have a responsibility to protect it. These $87 million in restoration projects will strengthen our coastal communities, improve our waterways and preserve the natural beauty and resources that support Alabama jobs, tourism and outdoor recreation.”

Gov. Kay Ivey

7 Alabama RESTORE projects

Below are the Alabama RESTORE projects:

Upper Bay Marsh Beneficial Use Wetland Creation – $24 million

Alabama will construct the first 100-acre wetland restoration cell of a planned 1,200-acre tidal wetland restoration project in Upper Mobile Bay. The project will use suitable dredged material to create wetlands, restore habitat and strengthen the long-term health and resilience of Mobile Bay. 

Dauphin Island West End Renourishment and Resilience – $38 million

Alabama plans to restore 3.5 miles of linear dunes, 40 acres of sandy water bottoms and 160 acres of beach and dune habitat. This will provide protection for the estuarine habitats of the Mississippi Sound including seagrasses, oyster reefs, marshes, 30,000 acres of conservation lands and vulnerable coastal villages. 

Coastal Alabama Water Quality Program – $9.5 million

The Water Quality Program began under the FPL 3b program and will now continue over the next 10 years. The FPL 4 funding will provide for both planning and implementation. The program supports the primary RESTORE Comprehensive Plan goal to restore water quality and quantity. Projects that will be implemented include construction of or upgrades to stormwater and wastewater systems, low impact development and septic to sewer conversion.

Grand Batture Island Restoration – $11.95 million

Alabama will collaborate with Mississippi to restore the remnants of Grant Batture Island. This project will include planning as well as implementation and will support the restoration and protection of natural resources, ecosystems, fisheries, marine and wildlife habitats, beaches and coastal wetlands of the Gulf Coast region by creating, restoring and enhancing coastal habitats.

EPA Trash Free Waters – $1.8 million

This program’s goal is to prevent trash from entering waterways and to remove trash that is already in the environment. Activities include source reduction, trash capture, research and community engagement.

USDA Gulf Coast Conservation Reserve – $1.5 million

The Gulf Coast Conservation Reserve Program works with private landowners to reduce soil erosion, improve water quality and enhance fish and wildlife habitat within priority watersheds of the Gulf. 

DOI Tribal Youth Conservation Corps – $290,000

This program provides conservation and cultural resource training and employment opportunities to Native American youth. Projects occur on both public lands and tribal lands, providing hands-on experiences in areas like forestry, wildlife management and infrastructure development.

RESTORE will allocate over $400 million region-wide this funding cycle. To learn more about the program visit: restorethegulf.gov. For more information about Deepwater Horizon restoration projects in Alabama, click here.