Mobile County Commission Receives Dauphin Island Sea Lab's Gulf Coast Marine Environmental Leadership Award

Posted on: Nov 10th, 2021 | News and Announcements Press Releases featured news

MOBILE COUNTY, Ala. -- Dauphin Island Sea Lab honored the Mobile County Commission with its 2021 Gulf Coast Marine Environmental Leadership Award. The award recognizes an organization whose efforts have resulted in the improvement of marine environmental sustainability in the Alabama Gulf Coast Region.

At the awards ceremony, Dauphin Island Sea Lab lauded the Mobile County Commission for recent efforts yielding nearly $100 million from multiple funding sources. The County engaged in protecting and restoring hundreds of acres of ecologically sensitive habitat areas and increased public access to water by supporting recreational opportunities within our ecological environment.

In addition to its parks expansion and improvement initiatives, made possible in large part through funding from the Gulf of Mexico Energy Security Act (GOMESA), Dauphin Island Sea Lab specifically acknowledged Mobile County Commission’s obtaining $8.24 million in RESTORE Act funding for the Mobile County Blueways Trail that will provide recreational paddling experiences throughout the county. The project's vision aims to celebrate and protect the county's waterways while sustainably enhancing and increasing access to places to play, relax, and reconnect with nature.

Dauphin Island Sea Lab recognized these Mobile County Commission projects as well.

Bayfront Park - Shoreline Restoration and Park Improvement Project
Chickasabogue Park Improvement Project
Escatawpa Hollow Park & Campground Acquisition and Park Improvement Project
Dauphin Island Causeway - Shoreline Restoration
Dauphin Island West End Acquisition & Bird Management Plan
Graveline Bay and Little Dauphin Island Acquisition
Salt Aire South Acquisition - Shoreline Restoration
Salt Aire North Acquisition
Steiner Tract Acquisition - Lightning Point
Three Mile Creek Acquisition

Comments from the Commissioners

Commission President Merceria Ludgood, District 1, said: “This award truly acknowledges the efforts of many people and organizations. I’d like to recognize the vital roles our many external collaborators and Mobile County employees, specifically the Department of Environmental Services, play in the planning, development and implementation of these projects.”

Commissioner Connie Hudson, District 2, said: “We’re delighted to be recognized by the Dauphin Island Sea Lab for our environmental leadership. The Commission’s numerous projects that are dedicated to marine environmental sustainability are truly transformative and will benefit residents and visitors for generations to come.”

Commissioner Randall Dueitt, District 3, said: “Through its marine science and education efforts, Dauphin Island Sea Lab, sees firsthand the need for restoration, protection, and access improvements. We’re honored they’ve chosen to recognize Mobile County Commission’s environmental sustainability efforts along the coastline and throughout the County.”

Mobile County Commission is the three-member governing body elected to represent about 415,000 Mobile County residents. The Commission is responsible for daily budget and infrastructure decision-making that enhances quality of life and makes Mobile County a great place to live, work and play.