Big Projects Announced In Orange Beach

ORANGE BEACH, Ala. — Orange Beach is moving ahead with major projects in the upcoming year, Gulf Coast Media reported. Mayor Tony Kennon said the city will start or continue major projects in the upcoming months. Work includes a new fire station at a cost of $4.5 million, city beach infrastructure at $4 million, pier repairs at Waterfront Park at $700,000, a wildlife center at $300,000, the East Canal Road multimodal path at $2 million, the West Canal Road multimodal path at $600,000, hail damage repairs to city facilities at more than $2.6 million and a shooting range at $500,000. Future projects include rebuilding Fire Station No. 1 and administrative offices at $12 million, a field house and athletic training facility at $12 million and a new Justice Center at $3 million. There are also plans to develop an 8.7-acre parcel on the beach in a partnership with the owners of the Flora-Bama. The growing city has a population of more than 8,100 and sees more than 111,000 tourists in June and July. It now has a $40-million operating budget, with $36 million in reserves and $25 million in bond proceeds.