The past few years have seen significant beach erosion in Alabama, especially along West Beach of Gulf Shores. In April, FEMA qualified the beaches of Baldwin County for federal reimbursement of a renourishment program.

The current erosion problem began with Hurricane Nate and worsened with Hurricane Sally.

It will take about two-million cubic yards of sand in Gulf Shores alone. It will be pumped from a specified part of the floor of the Gulf of Mexico directly onto the beach. The dredging and beach renourishment will begin in Gulf Shores and work its way east to the Florida state line. The expense will be divided among the controlling government entities.

The City of Orange Beach is expected to discuss a bid from Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Company, who has past experience in the area. The subject is on the agenda for the August 1st, meeting of the Orange Beach City Council. The total for the entire beach is estimated to be $32.8 million. FEMA and the state will reimburse 87.5 percent of the costs from Hurricane Nate damage and 95 percent of the cost from Hurricane Sally.

SEE RELATED ARTICLE:  West Beach Erosion Has Become Dire For City Officials

BELOW IS THE FULL RESTORATION SCHEDULE PROVIDED BY THE CITY OF GULF SHORES:

The project will begin with sea turtle monitoring in September, and dredging is estimated to start in November. Dredging in Gulf Shores is estimated to be completed early next year. See the full project schedule below.



 September – Begin turtle monitoring and nest relocations as necessary

 October – Mobilization of equipment

 November – Start beach restoration of East Beach

 December – Start beach restoration of West Beach

 January – Start beach restoration of Gulf State Park

 February – Start beach restoration of Romar Beach

 March – Start beach restoration of Perdido Key

 April – Demobilize equipment

Great Lakes Dredge and Dock Company is an American company providing construction services in dredging and land reclamation. Their website states they are the largest such provider in the US. They are based in Houston, Texas, and have done similar work in North Carolina, Louisiana and the Gulf Island National Seashore.