Governor Ivey Announces Initial Approval of GOMESA Projects

MONTGOMERY— Governor Kay Ivey on Friday announced that she has given initial approval to move forward with development and implementation of 15 projects from the Gulf of Mexico Energy and Security Act Program (GOMESA) distribution.  The combined total of all projects, when implemented, will be $28,722,000.
“I am proud to be from ‘Alabama the Beautiful.’ When the Oil Spill impacted our Gulf Coast, we began working tirelessly to make sure we protected that area’s abundant natural resources, so that future generations could still know us as ‘Alabama the Beautiful’,” Governor Ivey said. “With projects like these, we’re able to restore and conserve our state’s natural beauty. Once all details are finalized, I look forward to seeing the full implementation of these 15 approved projects.”
In January 2019, the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (ADNCR) issued a call for project suggestions for the Alabama (GOMESA).  The ADCNR received fifty-eight (58) project suggestions from the public. These project suggestions as well as projects submitted through the Alabama Restoration Project Portal were considered for GOMESA funding.  Many of the submitted project suggestions would be beneficial to the state of Alabama.  However, the amount of GOMESA funding each year restricts the number of projects selected for implementation.
The ADNCR will work with the project sponsors on the implementation of the 15 projects and provide support to accomplish the goals and objectives of the recommended projects.
“ADCNR staff will now work with the project submitters to further develop the projects to obtain all the information that is needed for final approval and implementation. Several of these projects will increase boating access and recreational opportunities in coastal Alabama that is so important to the quality of life along the coast,” ADCNR Commissioner Chris Blankenship said.
With the expectation of future GOMESA disbursements, the Governor’s Office and the ADCNR will continue to evaluate funding opportunities for GOMESA projects.
For any questions related to GOMESA funding, please contact the ADCNR via email at [email protected].
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