The City of Gulf Shores has been awarded approximately $3.6 million from the State of Alabama to construct its Waterway Village Pedestrian Plazas project.

The funding is part of $45 million allocated for 23 projects across coastal Alabama, announced by Governor Kay Ivey during the Southern States Energy Board Conference at the Grand Hotel in Point Clear on Tuesday, Sept. 30. The funds are made available through the Gulf of Mexico Energy Security Act of 2006 (GOMESA), a federal law that shares offshore energy revenues with Gulf Coast states.

The Waterway Village Pedestrian Plazas will serve as a vibrant community hub, creating accessible public areas at the north and south landings of the new pedestrian bridge. The north plaza will begin at East 25th Avenue and East 2nd Street, while the south plaza will start at East 2nd Street and East 22nd Avenue.

Planned features include access to local businesses, restrooms, sidewalks, shade trees, seating, viewing areas and event spaces.

“This project will significantly enhance public access and recreational opportunities in our Waterway Village District,” Gulf Shores Mayor Robert Craft said. “We are grateful for the support of Governor Ivey, Commissioner Chris Blankenship and the State of Alabama in helping us bring this vision to life.”

The selected projects, including Gulf Shores’ Waterway Village Pedestrian Plazas, align with the original intent and authorized use of GOMESA funds, focusing on environmental education and outreach, boating access, water quality improvements, recreational access and other key community priorities.

Design work is scheduled to begin in fall 2025 and construction is anticipated to start in spring 2026.