Ahead of a vote on a resolution to support efforts to protect Mobile Bay, Fairhope Councilman Jay Robinson said a no vote was “worse than voting against Girl Scout Cookies."
The Fairhope City Council approved the resolution after hearing from concerned citizens related to the thin-layer placement of dredge material in Mobile Bay.
“The City of Fairhope supports all efforts to protect the health of Mobile Bay. We know the bay is the greatest natural resource on the Eastern Shore, directly impacting our economy, tourism, and quality of life. It is one of the primary reasons Fairhope and the Eastern Shore have become such desirable places to live,” the resolution states.
The resolution notes that best practices change over time and that it is essential to keep standards up to date.
State Sen. Chris Elliott (R-Josephine) and State Rep. Rhett Marques (R-Enterprise) are pushing through companion bills to ensure that 70% of dredge material is put to beneficial use. Councilman Joshua Gammon said the move proves citizens and officials can support development and the environment simultaneously.
“I do think it’s important because obviously, I’ve heard a lot about it, but we’re kind of making a stance that you don’t have to be either environmentally responsible or economic development,” Gammon said. “Right? You can have both things at the same time.”
The resolution emphasizes support for all efforts to protect Mobile Bay, preserve the quality of life and safeguard natural resources.
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