Foley receives $1.5 million for nature park expansion

FOLEY – The City of Foley will receive $1.5 million in funding for the expansion of nature parks through grants announced by Gov. Kay Ivey.

The funding is part of more than $45 million awarded to 23 projects in Coastal Alabama through the Gulf of Mexico Energy Security Act of 2006 (GOMESA).

In Foley, the grant will support the planned expansion of Graham Creek Nature Preserve, a 650-acre site that is already the largest municipal nature preserve in Alabama. City officials are working to increase public access and protect additional land for conservation and recreation.

Mayor Ralph Hellmich said the grant is a major step forward for Foley’s preservation efforts.

“The GOMESA award for our city is critical to our efforts to expand our Graham Creek Nature Preserve,” Hellmich said. “Governor Ivey has been an integral mover to help ensure the preservation of these additional lands. Our staff, the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, and other partners have been diligent to reach our goal. We are very thankful for everyone’s efforts.”

This grant follows a recent announcement by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, which awarded Foley $4 million to purchase additional land for Graham Creek Nature Preserve.

Governor Ivey shared the announcement during the Southern States Energy Board Conference at the Grand Hotel in Point Clear.

“Working closely with Commissioner Chris Blankenship and his team at the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, we will share more than $45 million with cities, towns, counties, and the University of South Alabama to fund these worthy projects that will provide great benefit to the citizens of Coastal Alabama,” Ivey said.

ADCNR Commissioner Chris Blankenship added that the grants will strengthen environmental protection and outdoor access along the Gulf Coast.

“The GOMESA projects announced today will go a long way to continuing to improve the environment and quality of life in Coastal Alabama,” Blankenship said.

GOMESA funds are administered by the Governor’s Office and the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. The program directs a portion of revenues from offshore oil and gas leases to support coastal projects such as environmental education, water quality improvements, public access, and conservation.