Funding for Coastal Projects in Alabama
On Tuesday, Governor Kay Ivey announced that over $45 million has been allocated for 23 projects along the Alabama coast, backed by funds from the Gulf of Mexico Energy Security Act of 2006 (Gomesa). These initiatives primarily target improvements in environmental education, public boat access, water quality enhancement, and recreational facilities, aligning with the original goals set for the Gomesa Fund.
The announcement was made during the Southern State Energy Committee meeting at the Grand Hotel in Point Clear, Alabama.
Governor Ivey expressed her enthusiasm, stating, “We’re thrilled to unveil the 2025 Gomesa project.” She emphasized the collaboration with Commissioner Chris Blankenship from the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources to distribute this funding among cities, counties, and the University of South Alabama, aiming to support initiatives beneficial to residents.
Gomesa facilitates the distribution of 37.5% of eligible revenue generated from oil and gas leases on the Outer Continental Shelf since December 20, 2006, to four coastal bay producers and their respective local governance. Mobile and Baldwin counties are set to receive direct payments from the federal government under Gomesa.
Commissioner Blankenship remarked, “The Gomesa initiatives will greatly enhance environmental quality and resident life along the Alabama coast.” He also acknowledged the contributions from project partners that help maximize these funds, particularly those resulting from the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill Projects, reiterating that this long-term project expands on past efforts.
2025 Alabama Gomesa Funded Projects
- Citronelle Youth Field Lighting Enhancement – $1,280,000
- Cleora Public Safety Building – $2,000,000
- Cleora Wetland Acquisition – $350,000
- Silver Hill Oscar Johnson Park Improvements – $1,500,000
- Foley Nature Parks Expansion – $1,500,000
- Satsuma Gunnison Creek Kayak Launch and Boardwalk Improvements – $2,013,473
- Magnolia Springs Repair Project – $878,346
- Dauphin Island Multipark Access Improvements – $1,400,000
- Roxley Youth Soccer Complex – $1,000,000
- University of South Alabama Delta and Coastal Alabama Wildlife, Fisheries and Carbon Flux Observatory – $1,500,000
- Baldwin County Perdido Bay Boardwalk and ADA Improvements – $2,530,000
- Lillian’s Sustainable Rainwater and Parking Improvements – $396,340
- Mobile County River Delta Marina and Campgrounds – $2,000,000
- Chicasau Tome Water Rehabilitation Project Phase 2 – $2,000,000
- Baldwin County Solid Waste Treatment Bureau Orange Beach Recycle Convenience Center – $1,500,224
- Pedestrian Park in Gulf Shores Waterway Village – $3,606,465
- Daphne Recreation Center Renovation – $4,000,000
- Bay by the Bay Mobile Brookly: Southern Activation Zone – $3,500,000
- Bayminette Nature Park Master Plan and Engineering Design – $1,000,000
- Mobile Riverfront Phase I Fix – $4,000,000
- Gulf State Park Campgrounds – $5,000,000
- Argosy Large Artificial Leaf – $2,500,000
- Managing Gomesa – $398,599
