Dauphin Island

[Southron]

Dauphin Island officials applied for $3.3 million in funds to restore 7,000 feet of eroding shoreline along the eastern end of the island. The project would restore a stretch of beach from historic Fort Gaines to the Audubon Place subdivision. Its most important function would be to protect the main freshwater aquifer, located beneath the popular Audubon Bird Sanctuary. The restored beach would extend about 400 feet into the water at its eastern end and about 100 feet into the water at its western end, with man-made dunes piled up to 40 feet high toward its center.

Details in the article below.

Mobile Press-Register: Island seeks east-end beach repair funds

[elb401]

I think its a great idea. I would love to see more beach restoration on the east end. the west end may be a lost cause. at least we know the east end isn't going anywhere.

[Southron]

The half-mile gash cut by Hurricane Katrina has expanded into a full-fledged pass between the two halves of the island, and is now almost exactly a mile across. Scientists initially believed that the gap would close, as happened after a quarter-mile-wide breach was created during a 1948 hurricane, but some believe that the breach is now so large and deep that the new island will likely be a permanent feature. The new island (7 miles long) appears to be growing as it moves further westward from Dauphin Island (now 8 miles long).

Mobile Press-Register: Birthed by Katrina, a new isle grows

[Southron]

The future of Dauphin Island's west end -- where Hurricane Katrina destroyed more than 300 beach homes -- could be decided in court this month. The court case involves whether 3

[mobileal1]

This sounds really good for Dauphin Island. It has been neglected by Mobile, the county, and the state for a long time, hope everythings goes well.

[Southron]

An economic development consultant recommended several proposals for tourist-oriented developments on Dauphin Island. Some of the projects have been submitted for federal funding under the Coastal Impact Assistance Program. The proposals include a $2 million entertainment pavilion on the western island, reachable by ferry across the breach; a $12-15 million aquarium; a $4 million outdoor recreation area near DeSoto Avenue with public access to the bayside waterfront; and a park near the entrance to the island.

Mobile Press-Register: Dauphin Island proposes tourist developments

[mobileal1]

An economic development consultant recommended several proposals for tourist-oriented developments on Dauphin Island. Some of the projects have been submitted for federal funding under the Coastal Impact Assistance Program. The proposals include a $2 million entertainment pavilion on the western island, reachable by ferry across the breach; a $12-15 million aquarium; a $4 million outdoor recreation area near DeSoto Avenue with public access to the bayside waterfront; and a park near the entrance to the island.

Mobile Press-Register: Dauphin Island proposes tourist developments

[Alabadrock]

This is good news for Mobile County. I hope that Dauphin Island don't end up like Gulf Shores with all the highrises.

[nimsjus]

I think this proposal is one of the worst I think I have heard in a long time. They want to build a pavillion on a piece of island that broke away from the main island during the last hurricane. Every time there is a hurricane, the entire west end of the island is literally under water for weeks until the waters fall back again. I love the undisturbed localness of DI, but it is not a permanant feature of the Gulf Coast. It constantly moves, reshapes itself, and losses land each year. To build project of good size/money seems foolish to me.

[Southron]

Dauphin Island wants to buy land for a public beach on the west end, but it won't be open by Memorial Day weekend as originally intended. The $1.75 million property is about 200 feet wide and stretches from the north shore to the south shore. The town would add a gravel parking lot, tiki huts for retailers, and restrooms.

Island weighs public beach

[Southron]

FEMA will not fund the $4 million rebuilding of a protective sand berm on the west end of Dauphin Island. The berm, built in 2007 at a cost of $3.6 million, was destroyed by Hurricane Gustav this year. FEMA officials determined that there wasn't enough beachfront remaining to rebuild the berm. The first berm on the island was built in 2000 at a cost of $1 million, and was destroyed by Tropical Storm Isidore in 2002.

FEMA officials deny island's berm request

[Southron]

A lawsuit was settled today to transfer ownership of west end beach property to the Town of Dauphin Island from the Dauphin Island Property Owners Association. The town plans to seek federal rebuilding funds and open the beach to the public.

Island west end in court

Dauphin Island beach to be transferred to town