Latest News
Alabama Port Authority’s beneficial use project approved for $24 million in RESTORE Act funding
Funding to construct the first phase of the Alabama Port Authority’s Upper Mobile Bay Wetland Restoration Project has been approved by the Gulf Coast Ecosystem Restoration Council (RESTORE Council).
Approved on June 10, 2026, the $24 million award will support development of the first 100 acres of a planned 1,200-acre wetland restoration project south of the Causeway—turning eligible dredged material into restored habitat that will benefit fisheries, wildlife, and improve coastal resilience in Upper Mobile Bay.
The project will create new wetlands using suitable dredged material from the Alabama Port Authority’s routine berth dredging operations and, once complete, will be one of the largest coastal restoration efforts in Alabama history. The first phase of construction is expected to begin in early 2027.
The $24 million secured for the Upper Mobile Bay Wetland Restoration Project was part of $403 million that the RESTORE Council approved for 19 ecosystem restoration projects and programs across the five Gulf Coast states.
You can read more about those allocations and previous RESTORE Council initiatives by clicking here.
UPDATE: Upper Mobile Bay Wetland Creation Project Public Notice Period Extended
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has granted the Alabama State Port Authority’s (APA) request to extend the comment period for the Upper Mobile Bay Beneficial Use Wetland Creation Site (Planning) Project permit application until February 3, 2022. This extension provides you with additional opportunities for reviewing the project design and providing comments.
ASPA requested the extension in response to public interest and to increase opportunity for community and intergovernmental agency engagement. The Project is of vital importance to the Port, the community, and the environment, and as such, we encourage you to be involved! Click hereto review the Public Notice (SAM-2021-00246-DCH) and learn how you can comment. Comments will be accepted through February 3, 2022.
Currently, field investigations, studies, and conceptual design tasks are being completed along with public education and outreach. During 2021, the Project team will work to develop a design that meets grant requirements.
As news and events occur, we will continue to populate their updates here. Please check back throughout the planning process to stay informed.