Mobile Bay Wetland to Gain 1,200 Acres

A $2.5-million Upper Mobile Wetland Creation project is to expand the wetlands of Mobile Bay by 1,200 acres over the next 10-20 years. AL.com recently reported on the Resources and Ecosystems Sustainability, Tourist Opportunities, and Revived Economies of the Gulf Coast States Act project, which will use sediment from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and Alabama State Port Authority’s deepening of Mobile Harbor’s waterways, which recently began construction. (See the Logistics, Distribution & Maritime section below.) Approximately 6 million yd3 of sediment is removed each year. This will be used to help increase the local habitat and natural resources, reduce erosion and offer more opportunities for sport fishing and recreation in the bay. Following planning to be completed this year, the authority will request additional funds to begin to construct the wetlands.