Gulf Shores, Ala. — (GSN) —  Each year the County and City governments in Baldwin County develop numerous project to better serve the residents and area infrastructure. Voters often think the cost of the projects is completely paid for by their taxes. Many of the local projects are paid for by GOMESA funds.

GOMESA (Gulf of Mexico Energy Security Act) funds are federal revenues shared with Gulf Coast states (Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas) generated from offshore oil and gas leases.

Gulf Shores is going to discuss applying for two grants worth more than $7 million, including a Gulf of Mexico Energy Security Act (GOMESA) grant for $6.5 million to make roadway and sidewalk improvements along Wind Mill Ridge. It includes Windmill Ridge from State Route 59 to West Sixth Street and then all the way up Sixth to West Beach Boulevard. A project spur will also make improvements on West Fourth Street, including improving the bridge for pedestrian traffic.

The city council will consider applying at a rescheduled council meeting on May 26 in council chambers at city hall at 4 p.m. Gulf Shores usually meets on Mondays but will meet on Tuesday because of the Memorial Day holiday. The council will also discuss applying for a second federal grant for environmental programs for $750,000.

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“Project components include the reconstruction of damaged and degraded roadways, new multi-use bicycle and pedestrian pathways, wetland boardwalks and trails, a new scenic overlook, and intersection improvements,” a memo from Grant Coordinator Dan Bond and Assistant City Administrator Lee Jones. “The project will enhance public access and recreational opportunities in the city’s beachfront district. The project will also increase public safety by improving connectivity throughout the project area.”

This is the second time the city has reached out for GOMESA funding for this project, and the council put money in the 2026 budget for the West Fourth Street bridge aimed at “providing a safe pedestrian route from Windmill Ridge Road to the public beach area.”

This project will align with other projects the city has been working on in the neighborhood west of State Route 59 and north of West Beach Boulevard.

“The City Council has invested in significant infrastructure improvements in the Beach Walking District over the last several years, including roadways, public parking, bicycle and pedestrian paths, and beach accesses,” the memo states.

The second grant is from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine through the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, or NOAA.

“This funding opportunity will support projects that educate community members on local environmental challenges, engage learners in solutions-oriented activities, and empower participants to take action in their communities,” a memo from Jones states.

During the regular session, the council will also discuss:

• Awarding Gideon Fritchley and Salvatore for actions taken off duty to assist with a medical emergency.
• Authorizing formal acceptance of the audit of the 2025 budget.
• Adopting the amended employee handbook, including “rewriting the entire handbook,” according to the resolution.
• Appointing Matthew Palamara and Michael Murphy to the Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee through May 8, 2030.
• Two items on the city’s annual Fourth of July fireworks show. First, there’s a memorandum of understanding with Gulf State Park to use the state’s pier to shoot off the fireworks and a contract with PyroShows for $48,000. The show is set for 9 p.m. on July 4, with setup starting at 3 p.m. on July 3 and cleanup completed by 6 a.m. July 5.
• Authorizing a proposal with WAS Design for $42,300 to add some design work in the roadway project along East Second Street leading up to the pedestrian bridge over the Intracoastal Waterway. The city council will consider a contract to fill out the landscaping and other amenities in the newly streetscaped areas.
• Authorizing a taxi franchise for One Love Shuttle and Royal Limousine to operate in the city.