Gulf Shores, Ala. — (OBA) —  Major infrastructure enhancements take center stage in Gulf Shores as city leaders review more than $2.4 million in federal grants for Jack Edwards National Airport terminal expansion projects and consider doubling the local water treatment capacity.

Airport Director Jesse Fosnaugh presents three FAA grant offers totaling $2,458,953 in federal funding, with no municipal tax dollars required. The awards leverage federal funds to acquire Phase 4 passenger boarding ramps and to construct terminal-related infrastructure.

Planning Director Scott Stephens presents a conditional use permit for Gulf Shores Utilities Water Treatment Plant #05 at 3499 West St. The proposed 13,535-square-foot expansion will double the plant's capacity, from 4.3 million to 8.6 million gallons per day, to support long-term growth and seasonal demand.

The permit request includes modified landscape buffers along the northern boundary, using wax myrtles and trees to maintain visual screening while protecting critical underground utilities.

The rescheduled council work session will take place this evening, Tue, Sep 08, 2026, at 4 PM in Gulf Shores City Hall's Council Chambers.

Community Events, Animal Services, and Municipal Business

• Zydeco & Crawfish Festival Return: Recreation staff recommends approving a Memorandum of Understanding with the Waterway Village Merchants Association and organizer Angie Swiger for the festival's return on Apr 24, 2027, supported by a $46,000 city sponsorship and in-kind municipal services.
• Safe Harbor Animal Coalition Agreement: City Clerk Tobi Waters proposes amending the exchange-of-services contract with Safe Harbor Animal Coalition to reduce annual city funding from $17,500 to $10,000 due to lower service volume required for local feral cat trap-neuter-return efforts.
• Fall Community Events: Council will review large-group activity permits for the Alabama Coastal Cleanup, led by Dan Bond at Gulf Shores Public Beach on Sep 19, 2026; the Gulf Coast Arts Alliance Fall Art Festival at 116 E 24th Ave on Sep 19, 2026; and Courtney Baxter’s Skippin & Sippin Phun Walk at LuLu’s on Oct 24, 2026, benefiting breast cancer patients.
• 2027 Municipal Court Schedule: Court Clerk Kenneth McKenzie presents the 2027 court dates, with docket sessions held on the first and third Thursdays of each month at 2 PM at the Gulf Shores Justice Center.
• Council & Mayor Updates: The agenda includes a discussion period for Councilman Dr. Jason Dyken and operational updates from Mayor Robert Craft.