Gulf Shores, Ala. — (GSN) — Alabama Governor Kay Ivey has announced more than $52 million (specifically $52.3 million) for 21 projects across Coastal Alabama. Funded through the Gulf of Mexico Energy Security Act of 2006 (GOMESA), these grants are set to make generational improvements in environmental conservation, public recreation, and infrastructure resilience.

This latest funding round brings the total GOMESA investments awarded during the Ivey administration to more than $310 million. Administered by the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (ADCNR), the projects focus on water quality, waterway access, and environmental preservation.

The 2026 funding cycle places a strong emphasis on Baldwin County's coastal tourism hub, providing key resources to Orange Beach, Foley, and the surrounding Gulf Shores area.

Orange Beach is a direct beneficiary of two major GOMESA allocations in this round, totaling nearly $4.5 million:

• ADCNR Boggy Point Boat Launch Renovations ($2,950,000): This critical grant will fund extensive renovations to the Boggy Point Boat Launch, a highly trafficked recreational hub. The improvements will expand boating access and safety for both local residents and visitors.

• City of Orange Beach Shooting Complex Clubhouse ($1,500,000): This funding will construct a new clubhouse at the municipal shooting complex, adding modern amenities and supporting local recreational infrastructure.

The City of Foley focuses heavily on regional growth, its municipal utility and neighboring preservation areas received key support:

• Riviera Utilities Coastal Wastewater Resiliency Improvement Project ($800,000): Riviera Utilities, which is owned and operated by the City of Foley, will use these funds to improve the resiliency of coastal wastewater infrastructure. This project protects local water quality by safeguarding systems against severe weather and coastal flooding.

• Regional Parks and Drainage: Foley residents also benefit from nearby regional investments, including the Weeks Bay Reserve Public Access Improvements Phase 2 ($2,500,000) and the Town of Elberta Public Park Improvements ($1,600,000), which are located just minutes away and enhance eco-tourism across Baldwin County.

Although the City of Gulf Shores did not receive a direct municipal-specific award in the 2026 list, its coastal economy and environment are heavily supported by regional GOMESA allocations:

• Weeks Bay Reserve Access Improvements ($2,500,000): This project enhances public and educational access to the local estuarine system, providing Gulf Shores residents and visitors with expanded recreational trails and conservation-focused outdoor experiences.

• ADEM Ambient Water Quality Data Collection ($2,000,000): The Alabama Department of Environmental Management will use this grant to monitor and collect water quality data throughout Coastal Alabama watersheds. This is vital for protecting the pristine public beaches and estuarine habitats that drive the Gulf Shores tourism industry.

The Gulf of Mexico Energy Security Act of 2006 (GOMESA) is a federal revenue-sharing program. It directs a 37.5% share of qualified oil and gas revenues from Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) leases in the Gulf of Mexico back to the four Gulf-producing states: Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas.