$67 million in GoMESA-funded projects by Ivey

Governor Kay Ivey announced funding for 27 projects with a cost of about $67 million, supported by funds from the Gulf of Mexico Energy Security Act of 2006 (GoMESA).

These projects focus on sewer infrastructure, water quality improvements, research, land acquisitions and recreational access improvements, which are included in the original intent and authorized use of GoMESA funds.

"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," Ivey said in a statement. "Other projects announced today will vastly improve water quality in Mobile Bay by making sewer infrastructure improvements, convert septic tanks to sanitary sewers and perform vital streambank and shoreline restorations. The remainder will study ways to improve the resiliency of our Port and bolster the scientific knowledge base of Mobile Bay and the Gulf of Mexico, as well as prepare our next generation of scientists and leaders through the University of South Alabama's Healthy Oceans Initiative."

GoMESA provides for the four Gulf Producing States and their eligible coastal political subdivisions (CPS) to share 37.5 percent of the qualified revenues from outer continental shelf (OCS) oil and gas leases issued since December 20, 2006.

With approval from the Governor's Office, the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources administers the funds. Mobile and Baldwin Counties receive separate GOMESA disbursements directly from the Federal government.

The 2023 State of Alabama Funded GoMESA Projects are:

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