Millions In Grants Approved For Coastal Water, Dauphin Island

Gov. Kay Ivey recently announced that the Gulf Coast Ecosystem Restoration Council approved more than $403 million in funding decisions for restoration efforts spanning the Gulf Coast. Included in the funding is $9.5 million for the Coastal Alabama Water Quality Program, which will continue over the next 10 years. The funding will provide for both planning and implementation. Projects will include construction of or upgrades to stormwater and wastewater systems, low-impact development and septic-to-sewer conversion. There is also $38 million for Dauphin Island West End Renourishment and Resilience. Plans are to restore 3.5 mi. of linear dunes, 40 acres of sandy water bottoms and 160 acres of beach and dune habitat. This will provide protection for the estuarine habitats of the Mississippi Sound, including seagrasses, oyster reefs, marshes, 30,000 acres of conservation lands and vulnerable coastal villages. Both projects support the primary RESTORE Comprehensive Plan goal to replenish and protect living coastal and marine resources.