Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) —  Coastal Alabama is set to receive significant funding for regional improvement efforts. State leaders have approved more than $52 million for 21 local projects. The selected initiatives focus on environmental education and public outreach, and they also target boating access, water quality improvements, and recreational upgrades.

Governor Kay Ivey announced the awards on Thursday, August 20, 2026. The funding is supported by revenues from the Gulf of Mexico Energy Security Act of 2006. These projects align with the original intent and authorized uses of federal law.

The announcement follows an August 12, 2026, Gulf lease sale conducted by the U.S. Department of the Interior's Marine Minerals Administration. The sale generated nearly $83 million for 59 blocks in federal waters in the Gulf.

The lease auction was the third sale required under the Working Families Tax Cuts Act, also known as The One Big Beautiful Bill Act. Offshore energy lease sales are key drivers of high-wage jobs.

The law allows four Gulf Producing States and their eligible coastal political subdivisions to share 37.5% of qualified revenues. This applies to Outer Continental Shelf oil and gas leases issued after December 20, 2006.

With approval from the Governor’s Office, the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources administers the funds. Mobile and Baldwin counties also receive separate disbursements directly from the federal government.

State leaders highlighted the long-term community value of these investments along the coastline.

“Alabama’s coast is one of our state’s greatest treasures, and we have a responsibility to protect it while ensuring Alabamians and our visitors can enjoy all it has to offer,” said Governor Ivey.

“These investments will strengthen our coastal communities, improve access to our waterways and preserve the natural resources that support jobs, tourism and our way of life. I am especially proud that, working alongside Commissioner Blankenship and his team at the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, we have now awarded more than $310 million in GoMESA projects during my Administration – investments that will benefit Coastal Alabama for generations to come.”

Conservation officials emphasized the long-term benefits for residents, habitats, and visitors.

“The GoMESA projects announced today continue a long list of important environmental and quality of life improvements in Coastal Alabama,” said Chris Blankenship, ADCNR Commissioner.

“I am grateful for Governor Ivey’s leadership and her support for our coastal restoration projects throughout her Administration. I’m also thankful for our staff at the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and our project partners as we’ve worked to enhance environmental education, improve water quality and expand access to outdoor recreation along our coast for generations to come.”

2026 State of Alabama Funded GOMESA Projects:

• City of Orange Beach Shooting Complex Clubhouse – $1,500,000
• ADCNR Boggy Point Boat Launch Renovations – $2,950,000
• Perdido Bay Water, Sewer and Fire Protection District Elberta Youth Sportsplex and Hurricane Protection Project – $660,000
• Town of Magnolia Springs Town Center – $2,000,000
• Town of Elberta Public Park Improvements – $1,600,000
• Town of Perdido Beach Comprehensive Drainage Improvements for Hurricane/Coastal Storm Protection – $400,000
• City of Fairhope Flying Creek Nature Preserve, Phase 3 – $2,500,000
• City of Daphne Jubilee Recreation and Fishing Pier Construction at Bayfront Park – $5,000,000
• ADCNR Weeks Bay Reserve Public Access Improvements, Phase 2 – $2,500,000
• City of Bay Minette Kids Park Improvements – $900,000
• Riviera Utilities Coastal Wastewater Resiliency Improvement Project – $800,000
• City of Chickasaw Brooks Park Boat Launch – $400,000
• City of Bayou La Batre Rolston Pier Extension Project –$310,000
• City of Semmes Amphitheater and Nature Park – $1,600,000
• City of Mobile Brookley by the Bay: Southern Activation Zone, Phase 1b – $9,000,000
• Alabama Port Authority Upper Mobile Bay Wetlands Creation Construction Project – $5,000,000
• Mobile County Commission Byrnewood Boat Ramp and Public Access – $5,000,000
• University of South Alabama’s Outdoor Classroom for Habitat Conservation and Stormwater Management – $3,000,000
• City of Saraland Walter Cofield Park and Boat Launch Improvements, Phase 1 – $2,500,000
• Town of Dauphin Island East End Exploration and Visitor Center at Dauphin Island Campground –$2,200,000
• ADEM Collection of Ambient Water Quality Data in Coastal Alabama Watersheds to Support the Protection and Restoration of Alabama’s Coastal Water Resources – $2,000,000
• GoMESA Administration – $519,529