During the latest city council meeting it was announced that Orange Beach will get additional funds from the state Department of Conservation and Natural Resources to cover the cost of the $1.5 million Coastal Alabama Sea Turtle Triage Restoration Project.

“The bids for the (sea turtle) facility came in approximately $450,000 over the original budget, therefore ADCNR amended the grant agreement to cover the additional expenses,” a memo to the city council states.

The council discussed the additional funds at a joint session meeting on Dec. 3  in council chambers at city hall during a work session.

“At the request of ADCNR, the city has agreed to provide such labor, services, and materials to accomplish the goals of said restoration project,” the resolution states. Any amounts spent by the city will be fully reimbursed.

It is estimated the work will take one to two years to complete, and the city will maintain the infrastructure and improvements for five years after the project is complete.

On the wildlife program, the city is looking to extend the project an additional six months to get animal rehabilitation areas completed. It is a $1 million project funded with Restore Act money and administered by ADCNR.

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A local company, Brett-Robinson has long been an advocate of sea turtle funding in our area. On their website they state "Our beaches are very popular. Visitors from near and far enjoy them year-round. And some of those visitors may surprise you.

From May through October each year we share our beach with dozens of momma sea turtles. These endangered animals are looking for a safe place to make a nest where their babies can hatch, then find their way safely into the warm Gulf waters.

Thousands of hatchlings take their first steps right here on our shores each year. Many of them need a helping hand to reach the water. The many volunteers of the Share the Beach program give them just that.

Learn more about our marine friends and how you can recognize their nests, increase their chances of survival, and support the volunteers who Share the Beach with them each year.

Visit www.alabamaseaturtles.com