Conservation Nonprofit Launched

Clean Water Alabama, made up of Eastern Shore residents and officials intending to raise awareness of the importance of protecting Alabama’s abundant water resources, recently launched. Alabama Rep. Joe Faust of Fairhope and other local residents initially began the nonprofit earlier this year due to concerns over Weeks Bay’s cleanliness and healthiness, but the organization has since broadened its purpose to address the issue statewide. Now, it is setting its sights on improving the waters of Mobile Bay and the water quality of Baldwin County. John Manelos, president and a key organizer of the group, said he hopes to get as many people involved in the project as possible. Accordingly, members of the group, including Faust, recently met with Gov. Kay Ivey and her chief of staff, Jo Bonner, as well as Alabama Speaker of the House Mac McCutcheon, to discuss ideas and opportunities to help improve water quality and usage issues across the state.