Gulf Shores, Ala. — (OBA) — Gulf Shores is getting a major upgrade to its Waterway Village District. The city has secured approximately $3.6 million in state funding to build two new pedestrian plazas. These public spaces will be located at the north and south ends of the new pedestrian bridge. The plazas are designed to become a vibrant gathering spot for residents and visitors alike.

Governor Kay Ivey announced the funding on this past Tuesday during the Southern States Energy Board Conference at the Grand Hotel in Point Clear. The money comes from a larger $45 million package supporting 23 different projects throughout coastal Alabama. Gulf Shores was among the communities selected to receive support for improvements that will benefit the public.

Related Article: Alabama Commits 45 Million for 23 Coastal Projects in 2025 

The funding comes through the Gulf of Mexico Energy Security Act of 2006, known as GOMESA. This federal law allows Gulf Coast states to receive a share of revenue generated from offshore energy production. The money must be used for specific purposes that help coastal communities.

The Waterway Village Pedestrian Plazas will create accessible public areas where the pedestrian bridge meets the ground. The north plaza will be located at East 25th Avenue and East 2nd Street. The south plaza will sit at East 2nd Street and East 22nd Avenue.

City officials have big plans for what these spaces will offer. Visitors will find convenient restrooms and plenty of shaded seating areas under newly planted trees. Wide sidewalks will make it easy to walk around and explore the area. The plazas will also provide viewing areas where people can enjoy the scenery.

Local businesses will benefit from improved access points that connect to the plazas. The spaces are being designed to host community events and gatherings. This will give Gulf Shores a new downtown gathering place for festivals, concerts, and other activities.

Mayor Robert Craft expressed his excitement about what the project means for the community. He said the plazas will significantly improve public access and create more recreational opportunities in the Waterway Village District. The mayor thanked Governor Ivey, Commissioner Chris Blankenship, and state officials for their support in making the vision a reality.

The project fits perfectly with how GOMESA funds are supposed to be used. The law specifies that the money should go toward environmental education, boating access, and water quality improvements. It also supports recreational access and other priorities that matter to coastal communities.

Design teams are scheduled to start their planning work this fall. If everything stays on schedule, construction crews will break ground in spring 2026. The timeline gives the city several months to finalize plans and prepare for construction.