During a joint regular/work session on August 20th, the Orange Beach City Council approved an agreement with the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources to secure nearly $1 million in funding for ongoing shoreline and waterway cleanup efforts. This funding, amounting to $978,640, is part of the Natural Resource Damage Assessment (NRDA) grant program, which stems from fines collected after the Deepwater Horizon oil spill.

The grant is specifically targeted at reducing marine debris and its impact on local wildlife, including birds, sea turtles, marine mammals, and oysters. These funds will be used to support the salaries and operational expenses of the city’s current waterways and shoreline cleanup staff, ensuring the continuation of vital environmental protection activities over the next several years.

Nicole Warner, the Coastal Resources Deputy Director, highlighted the importance of this funding, noting that it will also allow for the provision of materials needed to care for injured wildlife encountered during cleanup operations. The council expressed its appreciation for the grant, emphasizing the positive impact these efforts will have on both the environment and the community.

This initiative is a component of the broader "Reducing Marine Debris Impacts on Birds and Sea Turtles" project, which is part of Alabama's ongoing efforts to restore and preserve its natural resources following the Deepwater Horizon disaster. The project aligns with other statewide restoration activities supported by NRDA funds, aimed at addressing the long-term environmental damage caused by the spill.

The council’s approval of this agreement reflects Orange Beach’s continued commitment to environmental stewardship and the protection of its coastal ecosystems, ensuring that the city remains a leader in conservation efforts along Alabama’s Gulf Coast​.