The Town of Dauphin Island has recently received grants totaling $1.9 million for a study to develop a long-term plan to restore the Island’s Gulf of Mexico shoreline. This is a step in the right direction, to be sure, but it is only a study. However, even after a project design is developed a specific source of funds to construct the project has not been identified. Therefore, it is likely that it will be another 3 to 4 years before any work is begun.
In the interim, the weakened West End will continue to remain vulnerable to storms. Since Hurricane Ida, erosion of the Gulf shoreline has accelerated and is threatening to create additional breaches in the island. The effects of a tropical storms and hurricanes during the 3- to 4-year period before the Town’s long term plan could be constructed would be catastrophic for the Island’s West End.
During this vulnerable period, an interim plan is being proposed to provide a protective dune system for the Island’s West End, from Raphael Semmes Ct to the west end of Bienville Blvd. This interim protective measure will be designed to be consistent with and to compliment the long-term solution being developed by the Town.
If you support our efforts to help stabilize the West End during this interim period and prevent further breaching of the Island, please add your name to the Petition below.
