Mobile, AL – Governor Kay Ivey announced approximately $30 million in funding for 25 projects in Coastal Alabama during a press event on Tuesday. The projects, supported by the Gulf of Mexico Energy Security Act of 2006 (GoMESA), aim to enhance environmental education, improve sewer and stormwater infrastructure, boost water quality, and increase recreational access in the region.
“I am thrilled to be joined today by many of our local leaders to announce 25 GoMESA-funded projects,” Governor Ivey stated. “Working closely with Commissioner Blankenship and his team at the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, we have secured more than $30 million to fund projects that improve and beautify this region we all love. With this announcement, more than $210 million in GoMESA projects have been awarded during the Ivey Administration.”
The announced projects emphasize environmental and nature education, with several initiatives aimed at enhancing museums, educational facilities, aquariums, and waterfront areas. “Teaching future generations about the importance of protecting Alabama the Beautiful and all her natural habitats, wildlife, and fish is critical,” Governor Ivey added.
GoMESA, which allocates 37.5% of qualified revenues from Outer Continental Shelf oil and gas leases to Gulf Producing States and their eligible coastal political subdivisions, has been instrumental in funding these initiatives. The Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources administers the funds with the Governor’s approval, while Mobile and Baldwin Counties receive separate GoMESA disbursements directly from the federal government.
Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Commissioner Chris Blankenship highlighted the long-term benefits of the projects, stating, “The GoMESA projects announced today will go a long way to continuing to improve the environment and quality of life in Coastal Alabama. The nature-based education, water quality improvements, and public access expansion projects announced today will have a long-term positive impact.”
The $30 million allocation will fund a wide range of projects across the region, including improvements to parks, educational programs, infrastructure, and environmental conservation efforts.
2024 State of Alabama Funded GoMESA Projects
- City of Creola Park, Conservation and Education Project: $1,000,000
- Exploreum Traveling Exhibit Gallery Refurbishment: $829,012
- Dauphin Island Programmatic Dredge Permit: $300,000
- Loxley Municipal Park Wetlands Acquisition Project: $650,000
- Fairhope Flying Creek Nature Preserve Phase II: $1,328,400
- Summerdale Miracle League Ballfields: $1,538,000
- Dauphin Island Middle Beach Access Improvements: $1,500,000
- Orange Beach Schools Sea, Sand, and Stars Education Project: $979,864
- Meaher State Park Headquarters Camp Store Project: $1,100,000
- Mobile County Cedar Point Boat Ramp Phase II: $2,753,440
- Dauphin Island Sea Lab’s Manatee Sighting Network: $182,461
- Town of Perdido Beach Comprehensive Drainage Improvements: $307,670
- National Maritime Museum Improvements (Mobile): $2,250,000
- Saraland Water and Sewer System Upgrades: $1,523,700
- Blakeley Park Waterfront Access Improvement Project: $1,970,500
- Mobile Riverfront Park Enhancements – Phase II: $3,023,667
- Dauphin Island Sewer Collection System Improvements 2024: $2,965,981
- Daphne Sewer Lift Station Permanent Bypass Pumps – Priority 1: $499,500
- Daphne Sewer Lift Station Permanent Bypass Pumps – Priority 2: $445,500
- Mobile County/TNC Coden Bayou Land Acquisition Project: $753,575
- City of Prichard Sweeney Lane Bridge: $650,000
- Honor Park – A City of Spanish Fort Project: $3,000,000
- Alabama Aquarium Improvements (DISL): $200,000
- USA Lower Alabama Beach Education Facility: $250,000
- GoMESA Administration: $398,641
