Meeting Type: BCC Regular Meeting
Meeting Date: 10/15/2024
Item Status: New
From: Jay Dickson, Deputy Planning Director
Submitted by: Ashley Campbell, Natural Resource Planner
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ITEM TITLE
Title
Mobile Bay National Estuary Program - Letter of Support for Gulf of Mexico Division Grant Proposal - Understanding Water Quality through Monitoring Activities
Body
STAFF RECOMMENDATION
Recommendation
Authorize Chairman to sign a Letter of Support to the Mobile Bay National Estuary Program’s (MBNEP) Gulf of Mexico Division Grant proposal - Understanding Water Quality through Monitoring Activities.
End
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
Previous Commission action/date: N/A
Background: The MBNEP’s proposed Comprehensive Water Quality Monitoring Grant Program for Mobile and Baldwin Counties will play a crucial role in enhancing the health and resilience of our watersheds. This initiative is essential for establishing baseline water quality data, improving pollution detection, and promoting informed management of stormwater, groundwater, and watershed health.
The program’s innovative approach, including the use of advanced tools such as sondes, flow gauges, and the canine detection program, will provide accurate and actionable data on key parameters. These efforts will support local governments in addressing stormwater challenges, impacts of land use change, and saltwater intrusion. Training for county and municipal staff, along with expanded community engagement through Alabama Water Watch and outreach to underserved communities, will ensure long-term, sustainable stewardship of our coastal resources.
Furthermore, by establishing a baseline for water quality, tracking key pollutants, and increasing capacity of local monitoring efforts, this program will support informed decision-making.
The grant does not require a financial commitment from the County. Other grant partners may include the City of Foley, Town of Magnolia Springs, the University of South Alabama and Mobile County.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
Total cost of recommendation: N/A
Budget line item(s) to be used: N/A
If this is not a budgeted expenditure, does the recommendation create a need for funding? N/A
LEGAL IMPACT
Is legal review necessary for this staff recommendation and related documents?
N/A
Reviewed/approved by: N/A
Additional comments: N/A
ADVERTISING REQUIREMENTS
Is advertising required for this recommendation? N/A
If the proof of publication affidavit is not attached, list the reason: N/A
FOLLOW UP IMPLEMENTATION
For time-sensitive follow up, select deadline date for follow up: N/A
Individual(s) responsible for follow up: Admin: prepare the letter of support addressed to:
Ms. Roberta Swann, Director
Mobile Bay National Estuary Program
118 N. Royal Street, Suite 601
Mobile, Alabama 36602.
CC: Roger Rendleman
Frank Lundy
Jay Dickson
Ashley Campbell
Brenda Brock
planning@baldwincountyal.gov
Action required (list contact persons/addresses if documents are to be mailed or emailed): Email the executed letter to Ashley Campbell. Ashley will email the letter to MBNEP.
Additional instructions/notes: N/A