State of Alabama FINAL Coastal Impact Assistance Program (CIAP ...

AUTHORIZED USES
o This project meets the criteria set forth in Authorized Use #4: implementation of a federally
approved marine, coastal, or comprehensive conservation management plan.
o Justification: This project meets Authorized Use #4 because meets the objective HU-C1 of the
Mobile Bay National Estuary Program Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan
(MBNEP CCMP). This document was approved by the EPA in 2002 and is, by definition, a
marine, coastal, comprehensive management plan. The action plan objective HU-C1 states:
“Increase public access and ecotourism opportunities.” This project will construct amenities at sites to
improve public access and to provide natural resource-based education at designated protected
areas in coastal Alabama.
In addition to the MBNEP CCMP, the Alabama Coastal Management Program document
(ACAMP) states the following as a management program policy statement under Resources of
the Coastal Area: “…, it is a policy of the Management Program to encourage development of additional
recreational opportunities and public access to enhance the well-being of Alabama citizens and visitors.” The
construction of the Gulf State Park Pier meets this objective.
o Cost Sharing: Cost sharing is not applicable to this project.
o Partnering:. Other funding sources will be used to complete this project including FEMA
($2,335,691.00), insurance ($1,164,309.00), and a State Park Bond Issue ($1,500,000.00). The
partner resources will be responsible for the costs associated with ineligible CIAP expenditures.
o Benefit to Natural Coastal Environment: The construction of the Gulf State Park Pier will
provide the public a setting to learn about coastal Alabama’s natural resources. This education
encourages a sense of ownership and stewardship of public land, thus protecting the natural
coastal environment. Due to its natural appeal, many people without access to boats will visit the
Gulf State Park Pier. The pier is also recognized as a key birding location on the Alabama Coastal
Birding Trail (www.alabamacoastalbirdingtrail.com. Providing the public a place to experience
the Gulf of Mexico in south Alabama enhances the public’s appreciation of the natural coastal
environment. This appreciation reinforces a sense of ownership of public land and, in turn,
results as benefit to the natural coastal environment. Also, the construction of the pier provides
controlled access, thus minimizing adverse impact from excessive foot traffic on the adjacent
beach and dunes.
State of Alabama Final Coastal Impact Assistance Program Plan
State of Alabama Tier One Project Descriptions
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