Ivey announces $52M in GoMESA funding for Mobile, Baldwin county projects

Governor Kay Ivey announced more than $52 million for 21 coastal Alabama projects funded through the Gulf of Mexico Energy Security Act (GoMESA), with Mobile and Baldwin counties splitting the bulk of the money between boat launches, parks, water quality initiatives and hurricane protection upgrades. The announcement came last week on Thursday, Aug. 20.

Here is a breakdown of the funding for Mobile and Baldwin counties.

What is GoMESA funding?

GoMESA directs a share of revenue from Outer Continental Shelf oil and gas leases back to Gulf-producing states, including Alabama. With the governor’s approval, the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (ADCNR) administers the funds, though Mobile and Baldwin counties also receive separate GoMESA disbursements directly from the federal government.

“We have now awarded more than $310 million in GoMESA projects during my Administration – investments that will benefit Coastal Alabama for generations to come.”

Governor Kay Ivey

Mobile County projects total nearly $32 million

Mobile County saw 10 projects funded, totaling close to $32 million:

1. City of Mobile Brookley by the Bay, Southern Activation Zone Phase 1b – $9,000,000
2. Alabama Port Authority Upper Mobile Bay Wetlands Creation Construction Project – $5,000,000
3. Mobile County Commission Byrnewood Boat Ramp and Public Access – $5,000,000
4. University of South Alabama’s Outdoor Classroom for Habitat Conservation and Stormwater Management – $3,000,000
5. ADCNR Boggy Point Boat Launch Renovations – $2,950,000
6. City of Saraland Walter Cofield Park and Boat Launch Improvements, Phase 1 – $2,500,000
7. Town of Dauphin Island East End Exploration and Visitor Center at Dauphin Island Campground – $2,200,000
8. City of Semmes Amphitheater and Nature Park – $1,600,000
9. City of Chickasaw Brooks Park Boat Launch – $400,000
10. City of Bayou La Batre Rolston Pier Extension Project – $310,000

Baldwin County projects add up to nearly $18 million

Baldwin County’s 10 funded projects total close to $18 million, ranging from waterfront parks to hurricane and stormwater protection:

1. City of Daphne Jubilee Recreation and Fishing Pier Construction at Bayfront Park – $5,000,000
2. City of Fairhope Flying Creek Nature Preserve, Phase 3 – $2,500,000
3. ADCNR Weeks Bay Reserve Public Access Improvements, Phase 2 – $2,500,000
4. Town of Magnolia Springs Town Center – $2,000,000
5. Town of Elberta Public Park Improvements – $1,600,000
6. City of Orange Beach Shooting Complex Clubhouse – $1,500,000
7. City of Bay Minette Kids Park Improvements – $900,000
8. Riviera Utilities Coastal Wastewater Resiliency Improvement Project – $800,000
9. Perdido Bay Water, Sewer and Fire Protection District Elberta Youth Sportsplex and Hurricane Protection Project – $660,000
10. Town of Perdido Beach Comprehensive Drainage Improvements for Hurricane/Coastal Storm Protection – $400,000

What ADCNR says about the investments

ADCNR Commissioner Chris Blankenship said the funding builds on years of similar work along the coast.

“The GoMESA projects announced today continue a long list of important environmental and quality of life improvements in Coastal Alabama.”

Chris Blankenship, ADCNR Commissioner

The remaining funds cover a statewide Alabama Department of Environmental Management (ADEM) water quality monitoring effort ($2,000,000) and GoMESA program administration ($519,529).