Foley, Ala. – (OBA) – The city of Foley, Alabama, is set to significantly expand the Graham Creek Nature Preserve, one of the largest municipal environmental centers in the state, thanks to a $5 million grant. The funding, part of the Gulf of Mexico Energy Security Act (GoMESA), will allow the city to acquire additional land for the preserve, enhancing its conservation efforts and providing more opportunities for passive recreation.

Mayor Ralph Hellmich hailed the grant as a major boon for both the city and environmental protection, noting that it would improve the quality of life for Foley's residents and bolster efforts to safeguard the Wolf Bay Area. The preserve, which currently spans 660 acres and features amenities such as hiking trails, boardwalks, a kayak launch, and disc golf courses, is expected to grow significantly.

The grant is part of a larger $67 million funding package announced by Governor Kay Ivey and Commissioner of Conservation and Natural Resources Chris Blankenship. The funds will support 27 new projects in Mobile and Baldwin counties, aimed at preserving the region's natural beauty and improving access to its rivers, bays, and other waterways. Since its inception, the GoMESA program has provided approximately $181 million to Alabama, aiding numerous communities in their environmental enhancement efforts.

Mayor Hellmich praised the program as a game-changer for environmental stewardship in the region, attributing its success to the concerted efforts of state and local officials to channel offshore oil and gas revenue to local communities.